What is the best thing that I love about my work?
The most intense moment is while I create the shape from the rough block. The act of becoming aware of the shape I want to create and I decide to remove some parts of the mass. It is a constant dialogue with the block, my every single gesture creates a sign, a response that suggests the successive gesture without the possibility of going back, it is a constant electrifying challenge!
What is my idea of happiness?
Happiness is a constant, you just need to notice it. Being grateful for what you have now, being in good health, having good relationships with people leads to staying in this constant of happiness. Happiness is not static and therefore the watchword is to do, ride the idea and make it concrete. This allows you to create bases that allow you to improve, progress and be happy.
What is my greatest fear?
I don’t have big fears that haunt me right now. In general, I see fear as a synonym of choice and I am of the idea that there is always a solution even if it seems ugly at first it certainly leads to something better.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I have a good relationship with myself. I have nothing that I deplore, it would be counterproductive to think so. I’m a bit unsure but I’m working on it!
Which living persons in my profession do i most admire?
All the artists who live off their art and make it concrete, without having excuses to do so.
What is my greatest extravagance?
Wanting a diamond sponge to polish marble (perhaps the whole series) rather than having a diamond on my finger.
On what occasion would I lie?
I would do it just to add colour to a story.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
When I model a block of marble I use grinders and various tips inserted in pneumatic hammers. The vibrations from these tools are wearing on the hands. Is there any manufacturer that can produce anti-vibration gloves in size S? !! There are always sizes on the market that are too large and large that do not allow me to maintain sensitivity in my hands to hold and guide tools.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
My sculpture workshop is located in the middle of nature, surrounded by greenery in a small mountain town. It is wonderful and regenerating to observe the Concarena, the majestic mountain that changes every day with the changing weather. This natural spectacle favors my work.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
Nothing, I love myself!
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Getting to know Alessandro Pedretti, my partner in life and in art. He is a musician and immediately a mutual interest was triggered, knowing how he saw and perceived the other, which then turned into continuous confrontation and creative synergy.
Where would I most like to live?
I’m fine in Valle Camonica, I recommend you come and visit it. Over the course of 100 km, you pass from Lake Iseo to the perennial glaciers of the Adamello. You can walk among ancient villages, woods, discover the Unesco site of rock engravings and then stop to taste excellent food!
What is my most treasured possession?
The wire that connect my brain to my hands
What is my most marked characteristic?
Optimism. I consider myself lucky, I always manage to find something beautiful even when there seems to be nothing positive.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
It is not the goal but the path that is stimulating. When I walk, the best ideas always come out. When Alessandro and I walk together, the continuous discussion on a project or idea always results in solutions and improvements to be made. The places are various, from the city center to the woods behind the house.
What is my favourite place to eat and drink, in my city?
He is currently getting the Egyptian boy’s pizza close to home! When I come home in the evening and I don’t want to cook, he solves the problem in a moment and the pizza is amazing!
What books influenced my life and how?
Books are always influential, each of them gives you, reveals something. There are never bad books. I find that it is the book that you choose and not that you choose the book.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
I would like to hear my partner Alessandro play
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Who manages to infect the other with their passions.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Anyone who follows and makes their dreams come true.
Which movie would i recommend to see once in a lifetime?
The Five Obstructions by Lars Von Trier
What role plays art in my life and work?
The role is total, each activity flows into the same growth. Cultivating the vegetable garden helps to increase observation and patience, cooking is rhythm, time management and organization. Making paper collages improves fine motor skills and thinking in planes as if it were a low relief helps the perception of space. So when I return to a block of stone the awareness of the form is greater.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
I find it true, we are the ones who attract certain situations to us so we choose and narrate our life and we can constantly change it.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My partner Alessandro, who supports me, encourages me and thanks to the continuous comparison we generate and concretize ideas.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2021?
If everything is possible and there are no limits: Giovanni Adamo II, McLaren f1 Team, Marriott International, Werner Herzog, Dave Eggers, Elon Musk, Philipp Glass, Jim Bridestine, Colin Campbell, Raphael Nadal
Which people in my profession who can make a real difference in my creative career would i love to meet in 2021?
Angela Vettese, Cecilia Alemani, Ilaria Bonacossa, Mariuccia Casadio, Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev. Caroline Corbetta, Sarah Cosulich, Chiara Parisi, Lucia Pietroiusti, Roberta Tenconi
What project, in 2021, am I looking forward to work on?
Making a silent book …
Where can you see me or my work in 2021?
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Loving what you do and cultivating various interests nourishes passion, which is the fundamental fuel for doing that then leads to new goals.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story for the heroine’s journey or hero’s journey project?
Lili Refrain, Priscilla Jamone, Francesca Longhini, Micol Roubini, Vera Bugatti, Silvia Pezzotti, Francesca Undeschini
How can you contact me?
By writing to milena.berta@gmail.com I will be happy to answer questions and open new acquaintances and collaborations.
The Heroine's Journey 