From the Studio: A Forever Search for New Materials, is what I do too!

My friend Sabine, on skis in the village posing with my jewellery.

Whilst the snow blankets the Swiss Alps and the sun is said to shine all week, I find myself surrounded by many treasures—stones, and with them, the countless stories gathered over the years. These silent companions wait patiently for their moment to become part of something special. Today, however, I am sharing a different narrative—one that speaks to my endless curiosity as an artist.  

A random peek into some of my many drawers and one of the large loupes that I'm wearing because my work is so intricate and difficult to make.

Recently, an unexpected material caught my attention: deer parchment. This fascinating medium, found its way into my studio through a local man in the village. Its wonderful subtle translucency sparked my imagination, leading me to create a series of unique brooches and I took the first few to the Cluster exhibition in London last December—you may remember them from the photos in my last blog. I can't wait for what's next.

I'm always trying to organise myself, but I can't keep the workshop tidy, just a selection of my Arty Scenes collection. My daily view.

Most of the pieces shown at Cluster belong to my Arty Scenes collection. I am deeply engaged with the world and keep a close watch on the news—sometimes even daily, though more often weekly. It can be overwhelming at times, and that is when I retreat into my microcosm: my studio in the Alps, where I love to immerse myself in books, seeking knowledge in different fields. This is something I did as a child as well. A funny fact:  many of the books at my parents home were about cooking and wine and without realising it, I was teaching myself from an early age on, and when I moved out, to my surprise, I could actually cook, without realising at the time where all this knowledge came from.

I have always loved eyes, I was already drawing them as a child. Because eyes are amazing. I'm busy creating new ideas around eyes. The other necklace is named 'Defender", a way to protect yourself, while wearing jewellery.  

My jewellery journey began with my very first piece, which stemmed from my sustainable mindset—long before I even considered becoming a jewellery maker. The large neckpiece was created from waste materials—sharp pieces of glass and other debris—washed ashore by the lake. Looking back, I must have always challenged conventional perspectives.  

Fast-forward to today: "Die Jagd", for instance, is a brooch that explores our relationship with nature and consumption. While the subject matter is complex, the piece invites a dialogue about awareness and respect for the natural world. As an animal lover, I have never liked hunting, yet I find it preferable to blind acceptance of mass consumption and wilful ignorance. That is what this brooch is about.  

Arty Scenes brooches: "Power of Gold", "Crowdpleaser" and "Die Jagd", all made with Swiss deer parchment. 

Another brooch, "Crowd Pleaser", examines our modern relationship with luxury and the way it homogenises us. I question what true exclusivity means in today’s algorithmically curated world, where taste is fabricated, and most so-called ‘exclusive’ things can be found anywhere you look. When I was growing up, true exclusivity meant something was rare and unique—not available everywhere, let alone available online.

When I embraced jewellery making, I knew it had to be different—I had something to say. From the start, I wanted my work to stand for uniqueness and raise awareness for causes close to my heart. How fortunate I am today that so many like-minded individuals have connected with my pieces, and that overall more people are seeking the unique in all aspects of life.

Two Conversation Pieces to both sides and in the middle you find brooch "Eyes Wide Shut" from the Arty Scenes collection made on parchment. 

New and very different one-of-a-kind pearl rings, from the Conversation Pieces collection. To the left and in the middle you will find ring Phylippa, and square ring Emaline can be found to the right. 

This spirit of exploration is also present in the "Conversation Pieces" collection, created around precious stones, and where every piece is truly unique. Just as a painter experiments with different mediums, each stone or material presents its own challenges and revelations, teaching me new ways to think and create. Each creation, regardless of its collection, emerges from the same foundation.  

Ultimately, my workshop is filled with these dual energies, because it is a reflection of who I am. As an artist who has deliberately forged her own path, I want my artistic pieces to first push my own boundaries and to encourage contemplation in others. In my colourful, raw-style stone jewels, or miniature adornments it is not merely about creating a jewel—I like to encourage people to embrace their uniqueness, and show what jewellery can do for you: express your true self.

How fantastic that more wonderful women in my village love to create content with me. It relaxes me, and is yet another reason to leave my studio.

I often find my greatest luxury in time itself—because those precious moments when creativity flows freely are what I love. The many colourful stones and found objects in my drawers continue to whisper possibilities.  

My cat George, on my bookshelf in the living room. A lovely view from  the restaurant up on the mountain. Another peek into my workshop. 

Leave a comment