Did you learn from a master?
I had several masters, not just one. They were very kind and helpful to me, but I showed them the same respect, too; I learned many different techniques from them, but I never copied anything. Every object I created came from my imagination.
Do you remember the first object you made?
Yes, it was a ring that I have been wearing for ten years. I gave it the name Ernesto, because its decoration draws inspiration from Ernesto Basile, one of the major exponents of Sicilian Art Nouveau.
© Fabio Florio
What do you like most about Art Nouveau?
Art Nouveau uses curling lines and plant and flower shapes, and what I love most is this connection with natural elements, rather than the style itself. In each of my collections you will find these natural elements.
Could your craft be considered in danger?
Yes, absolutely. My work is very precarious; there’s nothing more ephemeral than jewellery. I have many competitors, especially from China. And sometimes I’m afraid of losing my creative drive and finding myself out of ideas.