MNC JEWELS

I spotted Monica Catrullo's work by chance, (on the world
wide windows to the world - the global internet!) and instantly
loved her sense of style and design! As such, I invited her to be
a feature artist ... and she's generously agreed ... all the way
from Italy, to grace us with an interview and insight into her
beautiful and stunning jewellery creations!  Sit back
and enjoy!

FEATURE ARTIST:
MONICA CATRULLO
MNC JEWELS

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I live in Milan, Italy.  I'm married to Roberto and we
have a wonderful eight year old child called, Alessio.  I'm a
chemist by trade and have been working for ENI research
laboratory (ENI is our National Oil Company), for almost
twenty four years.

Since I had my baby, I've been a part-time employee, but
would like to have more time to follow my passion, which
is making jewellery.

I've been fond of wearing and making earrings since I was
a little girl. I used to make long earrings using my mother's
old necklaces ... However, it was only five years ago, that I
discovered my real skill for wirework!

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET UP MNC JEWELS?

MNC Jewels was born, little by little ...
I started beading using small beads and crystals.  Then I
discovered ENI OKEN and her work and I fell in love
with wirewrapping.  It was like a new beginning! It felt
like I had discovered a magic world! The name for my
jewellery business, MNC, is based around the consonants
of my name 'MONICA'.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR DESIGNS?

My inspiration comes from the world around me, mostly
from nature and its shapes.  I love using wire, and I know
it's a strange thing to say, but it's the wire that drives my
hands (and tells me what to do).  I start with an idea in
my mind, but it's the wire that decides how to turn it into
a real piece of finished jewellery ...

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE TECHNIQUE,
STYLE AND WHY?

As I said before, my favourite technique is wirewrapping -
weaving with wire.  Why? I really don't really know? It
was love at first sight!  Maybe, it is because with wire,
you can create any shape and your possibilities are therefore
infinite.  I also like other techniques such as chainmaille,
peyote and so on ... which I love to mix and combine together.

DO YOU TEACH YOUR CRAFT?

No.  I don't teach classes or courses at the moment.  However, I
write for an Italian magazine that teaches people how to make
jewellery.

HOW DO YOU PROMOTE AND SELL YOUR WORK?

I promote my work on Facebook, my fanpage is:

MNCjewels by Monica Catrullo
You an also find me on Twitter too.

HAVE YOU ANY SPECIAL ADVICE FOR OTHER'S 
STARTING OUT WITH JEWELLERY MAKING?

My advice is to try and find your own way and unique style.
Not to stop at copying other designers work, even if it's an
excellent imitation.  I admire anyone who is able to create
something out of his/or/her hands and mind.  Everything born
from passion is admirable!

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM DREAMS AND GOALS?

My very long term dream is to have my own studio and to be
a real full-time artist.  And of course, have a lot of customers!!!

***************************************************************
Monica, I'm sure in time, you will fulfill ALL your dreams and goals ...
your talent shines very brightly in Milan!