ARTIST STATEMENT
As a child, I was captivated by my microscope, entranced by the unseen world in the smallest details.
Growing up, I was fascinated by nature and as a teenager I was concerned about the environment. I have always been curious about the world around me. What I found fascinating is why people adorn themselves, to finally discover that jewellery is a powerful medium for self-expression for the maker and the one who's wearing it.
Using my own innovative techniques, I create miniature structures for the body and hands, either celebrating pure beauty or something more thought-provoking, through unexpected jewellery designs. My work reflects my personal duality: critique and celebration, seriousness and humour—perhaps the very essence of life itself.
Two distinct collections reflect this balance:
-Arty Scenes: These works often incorporate found objects and serve as a platform to address pressing issues, such as environmental concerns, or as an outlet for societal critique. In some pieces, however, I focus on highlighting the beauty of the Earth, blending critique with admiration. I am currently exploring the topic of humanity's origins.
-Conversation Pieces: One-of-a-kind statement jewels, where stones, pearls, or a combination take centre stage. In these pieces, I celebrate colours, shapes, and forms that emerge from my imagination. This collection serves as a poetic counterbalance to my heavier side. —this lighter, playful side that is essential for keeping me sane.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Born in the Netherlands, I grew up fascinated by the small and unseen, gazing into my microscope and exploring museums on family holidays. I was inspired by ancient cultures and the simplicity of their intuitive creations, sparking my love for textiles and adornment.
Raised in a Calvinist culture where jewellery was seen as indulgent, I admired it for its ability to express individuality. A job in high-end jewellery, encouraged by my stepmother, deepened my fascination. While studying Art History and Architecture in Amsterdam, I discovered contemporary jewellery—a revelation that shaped my artistic path.
In 2005, I created my first neckpiece from sharp glass fragments found by a lakeside, where I delivered a message about environmental harm to the planet and thus to humans. Some time later, my journey began into jewellery-making, and I developed my own wire-bending techniques, which was crucial to me.
It took me years to finally embrace this creative path..
Today, my work blends rawness with opulence, addressing pressing issues and celebrating beauty, through individual created expressive statements, each one with their own personality.
Group Exhibitions:
2018 - Artistar Jewels, Milan, Italy
2019 - Artistar Jewels, Milan, Italy
2024 - SIERAAD & friends, Buren, The Netherlands
2024 - Cluster, the contemporary jewellery fair, Shoreditch London G.B.
Concept stores:
2018 - Xbank, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2023 - Objet d’ Emotion by Valery Demure, Marylebone, London G.B.
2024 - Marina Anouilh, Gstaad & Geneva, Switzerland
Projects:
2024 - University, Instituto Marangoni, master student photography project, Florence, Italy
Features:
2019 - Gioiellis Magazine, Klimt02, and more, connected to the Artistar Jewels Milan group exhibition.
2020 - Article, "Le Serti de Filaire de Sheila Westera" / "The Wired Settings of Sheila Westera," The French Jewelry Post, by jewellery journalist Sandrine Merle.
2020 - VO+ Magazine, international jewellery publication. Article: "Names to Know: Sheila Westera," by jewellery journalist Antonella Reina.
2021 - Article, "Sheila Westera’s Uniquely Sophisticated and Luxurious Fine Jewelry Forms a Genre unto Itself," in *Forbes Magazine U.S.*, by jewellery and watch journalist Kyle Roderick.
2023 - NYJW: New York Jewellery Week, featured on the discovery page
2024 - Vakblad Edelmetaal, Dutch federation of Gold & Silver
2024 - The Jewellery Trendbook Forecast 2025, The luxury forecasting
2025 - The Jewellery Trendbook Forecast 2026, The future of jewellery
2018-2024 Several magazine features and editorials.
