Every piece of waste has a second life. Glass, wood, metal, and fabric are transformed into unique works of art, born from the hands and imagination of an artist who sees beauty where others see refuse.
I am Cira Pignatiello, known artistically as "Nef." A self-taught artist born in Pomigliano d'Arco and currently residing in Somma Vesuviana, I have always loved art, music, poetry, and reading—passions that intertwine in every one of my creations.
Each of my works begins with a discarded item: a broken glass, a foil cap, an old container, or a piece of reclaimed wood. From there, a metamorphosis takes place—a process that transforms what once seemed useless into a mosaic, a sculpture, or a painting. It all began in 1998, when I had the idea of combining used household frying oil with other ingredients, kneading them into a paste that could be molded like clay. That intuition led to my first sculptures made from foil caps and corks, as well as geometric designs created on wood and iron sheets.
Each piece begins with a mistake: a fallen glass, a surface shattering into a thousand unpredictable fragments. Instead of being discarded, these fragments are gathered, selected, and reassembled one by one to form a mosaic of striking geometric patterns. The base is always made of reclaimed wood sourced from a local carpenter, ensuring the support itself tells a story of a second life. The result is a creation that plays with light—reflecting it differently at every hour of the day—and transforms what once seemed broken into something precious and unique.
Non-stick trays that have reached the end of their life—deemed harmful and destined for the landfill—are transformed into raw material for visually striking geometric compositions. Combined with foil lids salvaged from everyday packaging, these materials are cut, folded, and assembled into repeating patterns that evoke the order and precision of nature—honeycombs, crystals, and mirrored surfaces. This creation invites us to view the objects we use unthinkingly every day in a new light, revealing the beauty hidden within what we normally discard without hesitation.
Reclaimed paper takes on form and volume—layer by layer—through the papier-mâché technique, enriched with mortar to lend structure and solidity to the surface. The process is slow, almost meditative: each layer dries before the next is applied, and every fold speaks to the time invested in the crafting. The final texture is rich and tactile, featuring irregular surfaces that catch shifting shadows depending on the angle. Some sculptures depict female figures, while others take on more abstract forms—yet all share the same humble origins and the same desire to give substance to something that seemed destined to vanish.
Born from a reflection on climate change and the growing scarcity of water, these recycled-iron floral sculptures require no watering, never wilt, and withstand the heat. They are flowers that survive precisely because they no longer depend on the nature that inspired them—an intentional paradox, a silent question regarding our planet's future. The iron is bent, welded, and hand-worked to recreate petals, stems, and blossoms of extraordinary delicacy, defying the hardness of the raw material. Designed for both indoor and outdoor spaces, the creation is as enduring as the message it conveys.
Intricate, hypnotic mosaics come to life on high-quality clay tiles, with every single piece placed with millimetric precision to form harmonious geometric patterns. Clay—an ancient, noble material—provides a solid, natural foundation that interacts perfectly with the recycled fragments applied to its surface. The contrast between the rough texture of the terracotta and the sheen of the reclaimed materials creates a unique visual balance, making these pieces suitable for both residential settings and commercial spaces—such as restaurants and hotels—where the artwork serves as a striking interior design focal point.
A series of drawings born from the desire to explore the themes of freedom and the struggle for rights through the female figure. Each piece depicts women in motion, striking poses that convey strength, self-determination, and resilience. This is not a new theme in my artistic journey, but rather a common thread running through much of my work: art as a tool for social reflection, capable of giving a voice to what often remains silent. Each drawing is created by hand using mixed media and can be personalized upon request to tell specific stories or reflect themes related to one's own experiences.
Every creation is unique, like the scrap from which it originated.
No two pieces are alike. Each reclaimed material carries a unique story, transforming into a one-of-a-kind creation tailored to the person who chooses it.
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Sustainability
Reclaimed materials, zero waste, maximum creativity.
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Custom Design
Each creation is designed for the space and the story of the person commissioning it.
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Fast Turnaround Times
From request to delivery, a streamlined and fast process.
04
Customer Focus
A constant dialogue to bring the creation you have in mind to life.
/ Contact
Let's bring your idea to life together.
Do you have an idea or a project, or would you simply like to learn more about my work? Drop me a line I’d be happy to hear from you.
A unique piece made from recycled materials, designed for your space. Includes: Initial consultation · Material selection · Custom sketch · Artisanal craftsmanship
