Silvia from Tigre Against Trigre is a young artist who lives and works in Verona. Sitting at her workbench, illuminated by a ray of sunlight streaming through her studio window, she shapes her ideas into precious metals. Her hands and décolletage are adorned with jangling rings and pendants, some of which she never takes off. She is as delicate as a rose and as strong as a tiger, just like her jewelry.
Hi Silvia! Can you tell us who you are?
My name is Silvia, artistically known as Tigre Against Trigre, and I am a goldsmith. I've been doing this for about six years now, since February 2014 when I made my first ring, which unfortunately got lost. Since then, I haven't stopped creating jewelry.
Where does this name come from?
Tigre against trigre comes from the tongue twister, tiger against tiger, which I often still get wrong! When I was little, I used to have fun repeating it with my sister, so when it came time to name my brand, I thought that long and difficult-to-pronounce name was perfect because it represents a beautiful memory for me.
Tell us about your inspiration…
I find inspiration in everyday life, in the people I meet, in everything I see, and in the nature around me. My memories are also a source of inspiration. I wanted to reinterpret the jewelry my grandmothers wore, giving it my own unique perspective. I am in love with symbolism and the message that certain elements can communicate, such as the body and its anatomy. Breasts, hands, genitals, women's faces, and busts become amulets to wear with courage and without any shame.
Which piece of jewelry best represents you?
It's definitely the ring with the hand that I always wear. It's one of my very first lost-wax pieces. I'm very fond of it; it's always been with me, and I never take it off.
The hand is a symbol very dear to me because it represents my art. It is through my hands that my work takes shape, and it's a recurring figurative element in my jewelry.
What are the strengths of your project?
My jewelry pieces are primarily unique. Anyone who buys one knows that there isn't another identical one. For me, they are a means of communicating a message. They contain symbolic elements and have a distinctive, very personal aesthetic. Furthermore, jewelry is one of the few things that are passed down through generations. It's something that survives time. It fills me with pride and encouragement to think that what I create will be passed from mother to daughter.
Your Life Motto?
I don't exactly have a life motto, but I think my philosophy can be summed up as D.I.Y (do it yourself). I'm very connected to punk ethics, to the idea of being resourceful, experimenting, and learning to do things yourself, with your own means and abilities, to always push further. It's a concept that really stimulates me.
What did you dream of as a child?
I wanted to be a veterinarian. I have a deep love for all animals, especially dogs, but I also really like tigers! I dreamed of a big farm where I could take care of all of them.
