Ask me something.
If your project resonates with my work, I’d love to hear from you. I’m open to commissions and always looking forward to meaningful collaborations.
info@marianalarotta.com
ABOUT ME
The objects we cherish speak for us.
I am a storyteller creating images and fine objects, in constant awe of the beauty and peculiarity of the natural world.
Across time and cultures, people have carried meaningful objects—talismans, keepsakes, and symbols of identity. These connections—to oneself, to our surroundings, and to others— facilitated by objects form the foundation of my artistic practice.
THE SOURCE
Before the internet placed the world at our fingertips and tethered itself to everything around us, I carried a VHS tape everywhere: a National Geographic documentary about sea otters. I was captivated by the fact that each otter carries a favorite stone, kept in a hidden pouch and used for years as a precious tool. This simple yet profound relationship between a creature and an object—chosen, held, and essential—left a lasting impression on me. It spoke to something universal and timeless: that objects are not lifeless, but companions with a presence of their own, forming bonds with those who carry them.
Just as the otter’s stone becomes an extension of itself, the objects we hold dear become part of our story—alive through their connection to us.
MY WORK
My work explores the profound relationship between objects, meaning, and emotion, bridging the dialogue between printed images and tangible forms. Through illustration, printmaking, and jewelry, I create pieces that resonate with shared human experiences and the depths of our inner selves. My designs are sophisticated yet whimsical, blending the gritty and experimental but the delicate in their detail; the odd and the intricate, mirroring the complexities of our unique identities.
PROCESS
All pieces are produced in my Kreuzberg studio, located in the heart of Berlin’s multicultural and vibrant scene. Here, I also give workshops on wax-carving and sand-casting, fostering connections between people and their creative potential.
Each design begins with hand-drawn sketches, evolving into meticulously carved wax models. I use recycled and responsibly sourced materials, including sterling silver and gold, to craft timeless, solid pieces that transcend trends and are built to endure. Sustainability is central to my practice; I aim to contribute to a slower, more intentional approach to consumption, reducing waste and honoring our fragile planet.
VISION
My creative practice extends beyond jewelry and printmaking, encompassing a broad exploration of visual communication. Alongside my studio work, I have contributed to projects in editorial graphic design and illustration. Past work includes cultural institutions such as the Museums of the Banco de la República in Bogotá and publications like the Berliner Bühnen Theater Supplement for the Berliner Morgenpost, as well as the In-Flight Magazines for Avianca Airlines in South America. These experiences reflect a commitment to strong visual storytelling, thoughtful composition, and impactful design.
Each piece I create—whether in metal or on paper—carries the essence of my practice: rooted in nature, shaped by memory, and guided by detail. I believe in the strength of visual storytelling, whether through jewelry or editorial design. Just as I carve talismans meant to be carried and cherished, I bring the same precision and thoughtfulness to every design project I take on.