Ava Marzulli, also known as @b0nef0lder, is a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans metalworking, sculpting, and more . Her creative process explores the intersection of her physical body and artistic practice, drawing inspiration from vivid dreams and the tactile challenges of different materials. By transforming these experiences into compelling artworks, Marzulli creates raw pieces that resonate with depth and innovation.
What is the most recent dream you remember having, and have any of your artworks been inspired by dreams you’ve had?
I had a vivid dream recently about a Hitachi Magic Wand short-circuiting and melting in my hands. I also had a dream where I did a double backflip but instead of two revolutions in place, I moved horizontally like a corkscrew. My first foray into metalworking, a chastity-style bikini bottom, was inspired by a dream I had about a medieval chastity belt.
The primary source of inspiration for my work is my own body. It’s both a source of inspiration as well as a conduit for materializing objects and ideas. My body is always teaching me about the work and making the work is always teaching me about my body. In regards to metalworking especially, the material offers such a range of physical interactions, some demand an immediate release of full-body energy and some warrant a sustained devotion of solely the hands and eyes. Negotiating with the material, my ideas, and my physical limitations has become very inspiring and drives a lot of my practice.
How do you view the relationship between your personal experiences and your art?
I think I use my art to make sense of personal/lived experience. A lot of the things that I make exist in proximity to things that I’ve experienced, and sometimes making can act as a means to gaining clarity, or learning something about an experience retrospectively. Things I make are informed by things that I’ve encountered; and then the encounter with creating the object becomes it’s own autonomous lived experience. It’s like a system that is self-sustaining.
Do you have a favorite piece among your creations?
I think my favorite piece at the moment is “Contestant # 3 ”- a cast wax bust I made last winter. This piece was a big deal for me technically, because I had to cast the wax in layers and be mindful of the layers’ thickness and opacity. My goal was to achieve the look of wet fabric clinging to skin and articulating the body. I am really happy with its uncanniness, and it’s something I want to continue pushing.
How do you approach the process of making a new piece?
Usually I’ll have an idea and begin to sketch, or research. Then begin to do some material tests, or smaller scale prototypes. Usually what I imagine at first is never exactly what I end up with. I think if the idea and the result were always 1:1 there wouldn’t be much of a point in making anything. The process is the most fun, I like the opportunity to learn as I go along.
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