ARTIST STATEMENT
As a child, I must have been a young activist because I questioned most things. I was entranced by my microscope, mesmerised by glimpses of the unknown—a universe contained within the smallest details before my eyes. The many meditative hours spent observing must have shaped my developing mind. I became much of a wonderer.
Today, having grown up in the shadow of environmental concerns, I find myself longing for meaningful societal critique. I cannot recall a time when I accepted the norm or stopped questioning the world around me and for years, I have pondered why people feel the need to adorn themselves. I convey my thoughts on many of these predicaments, along with other pressing issues of our time, only to discover that jewellery is a powerful form of self-expression for both the maker and the wearer. The microscopic now speaks of the macroscopic.
After developing my own innovative jewellery techniques, I began creating miniature structures for the body. For instance, with my ring Macho Man, I aim to raise awareness about toxic masculinity, which I view as an unnecessary and damaging trait. The world could be a far better place without the constant struggle for power.
My work evokes strong emotions. Some people find it beautiful, particularly when I incorporate stones, while others view it as shocking or provocative due to its societal critique. It is difficult to categorise my work within a single definition because I am driven by a variety of mindsets: beauty, earnestness, and at the same time, not taking myself too serious. I enjoy a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour too. There is a clear duality in my work—one that I have finally learned to embrace in 2025.
Two worlds of contemplation, each reflected in a collection.
- Arty Scenes: This encompasses my earliest work, where I utilise found objects to highlight issues of global or personal concern. I have explored a range of topics, including environmental issues, animal abuse, child trafficking, religious indoctrination, and most recently, humanity's origins.
- Conversation Pieces: This collection reflects my passion for stones of all kinds. Perhaps it serves as an antidote to the heavier themes of *Arty Scenes*, acting as a poignant reminder of the planet’s precariousness while celebrating its natural beauty and poetic essence. This lighter side allows me the space to breathe.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Sheila was born and raised in the Netherlands. During her formative years, she was captivated by her microscope—drawn to the small and the unknown. As she grew older, her interests and concerns broadened to encompass the environmental impact of humanity on its host planet. Her focus shifted from the microscopic to the macroscopic.
Nature and the cosmos had always fascinated her, and during family holidays, she loved visiting medieval and archaeological museums. Mesmerised by loosely woven textiles, and marvelling at how a simple tread could be used to create something warm and functional. The pure, intuitive approach of ancient cultures, and the use of natural fibres later fuelled her passion for textiles.
Growing up in a country with a Calvinist history, Sheila’s early exposure to jewellery was complex—it was often seen as unnecessary, impractical, or ostentatious. Yet to her, it was something extraordinary. Never one to conform to societal norms, Sheila found herself admiring adornment on others. Seeing women wearing unique pieces of jewellery was captivating, and she especially appreciated the individuality it expressed.
Encouraged by her stepmother, who managed a high-end jewellery company, Sheila took a job in the field and began exploring various styles and eras of jewellery. This complemented her enduring fascination with why humans feel the need to adorn themselves. While studying Art History and Architecture in Amsterdam, she also discovered the emerging contemporary jewellery scene of the 1990s, which deeply resonated with her.
Around 2005, after discovering rubbish by a lakeside, Sheila created her first neckpiece from sharp glass fragments. This piece was intended to deliver a clear environmental message: “Look at what this could do to you, and consider what waste does to our planet.” Although jewellery-making wasn’t something she had initially considered, she soon realised it could serve as a powerful medium for artistic self-expression.
She attended several short courses in jewellery-making techniques. However, she felt a need to develop her own approach. Her now-patented methods of manipulating wire—creating structures mostly by bending—enabled her to support and present found objects in innovative ways, and using jewellery as a medium to pose questions. Later, when she began incorporating stones with precious metals, her work took on an unintentionally luxurious quality—a duality she initially struggled to accept, though her clients were already convinced.
Today, Sheila creates extraordinary, edgy, and beguiling one-of-a-kind pieces. Some are raw, while others are more opulent. Each work reflects her unique artistic vision, pushing boundaries of acceptance and challenging expectations.
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.