You know that friend who disappears for months then reappears with all sorts of stories? Well, that could very well be me.

I haven't been particularly good at updating you regularly, simply because I naturally 'go with the flow'. Even as a child, I needed my own space and moments - though that's not to say I don't enjoy a good party as an adult...

I do love to savour those extra leisurely hours too.

I'm currently working alone by choice, and I've come to realise that I'm naturally a bit of a loner at heart. And it works for me.

I simply stumbled into creating jewellery, then choices and circumstances changed along the way. In the past, I expressed my creativity through drawing and painting. I also created window displays for high-end jewellers, and rather enjoyed cutting my grandmothers, mothers or boyfriends' hair for fun... 

I've started drawing and sketching from my imagination again - practice is terribly important.

The artist inside me had been brewing for years. Being highly sensitive, I tried to move along with everyone else in a world that doesn't always make much space for people with different mindsets.

As you know, I created my first art statement from debris, and some time later, my love for stones began leading its own life, simply because people adored a ring I'd created for myself and it simply resonated in London, where I used to live. All this time, I still wondered whether making jewellery was truly my calling, even though I was collaborating with other creatives on photography and working on my social media and website. Always the contradiction.

The so-called more glamorous jewels with stones.

Nothing ever happened in a straight line whilst I was searching to find my flow, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by many good people who showed me different ways forward.

I'm always moving onwards, and hopefully I'll work closely with someone again soon - possibly, just not quite yet.

These photographs are part of a project executed by the master students of fashion and photography from the world-famous Instituto Marangoni. In this case, it's one model, the same jewels, different students, all instructed by teacher Sara Mautone.

Today, I can say that I love expressing myself through jewels, whether a design evolves around a stone or when it becomes a unique piece with much deeper meaning. My art jewellery now lives alongside my more glamorous pieces. I came to embrace so much... last year.

Still life photograph series in bright colours by student Daniela Morales. I find it rather interesting how different people view my jewels.

I'm also spending a great deal of time doing nothing - well, nothing... it's more about getting into the flow of creation, and that's when I'm drawn to all sorts of distractions, which to many seemingly have nothing to do with the creative process, but it's actually a significant part of it. I sometimes share these moments on Instagram and Facebook.

When I finally found the courage to show my work publicly in May last year at SIERAAD in the Netherlands, and then in December when I was invited by Cluster London - an event solely focused on contemporary and conceptual jewellery - I was one of approximately 100 handpicked artists from around the world, and this gave me tremendous confidence.

Experimenting with different mediums again, and this time I'm incorporating them back into my jewellery. The latest poster for an upcoming exhibition by Cluster in London, Autumn 2025.

This year has also brought the most incredible surprises. I was asked to submit work for several contemporary jewellery events, including a new Cluster 2025 exhibition being held in Soho, London, with the theme "The Living Trace." I handed in seven pieces expressing my own traces, which fitted so perfectly with my artistic process over the years. Just a couple of days ago, I heard that my work was chosen! I can't wait to show you these pieces, but not just yet - the exhibition is this autumn.

You should know that I never sketch anything, but this time when dealing with the assignments, it proved rather helpful.

As if this wasn't enough, another opportunity appeared - and this time, it was in Italy! The exhibition is called "I Don't Shine, I Have Something to Say," which was perfectly fitting, as you might know by now that I rather have my opinions... hahaha! After just about meeting the May deadline, I heard this week that my work was chosen as well. Do find me at the Venice Biennale later this year!

And... there's more. I can hardly grasp it myself, because I was also asked to submit my work for the Florence Biennale! I'm currently awaiting news of whether I'll be attending, but honestly, I'm already overwhelmed with such gratitude this year.

Some random notes to myself.

It's so great to be understood through my art - and it has been the most validating experience of my life. Even if nothing more comes after this, I'm perfectly content, as this recognition is exactly what I needed to be able to grow as an artist.

Here's what I want you to know about searching for your own path: it can happen in stolen moments, in quiet spaces. Take some time for yourself, without thinking about where it might take you - this time is for you alone, just as I did.

Thank you for staying with me on this journey. You have no idea how much confidence I've gained through you being here too.

Sheila xx