Sea & Sun-Crafted: A London-Born Ceramic Jewelry Line
In the heart of London, a unique fusion of craftsmanship emerges, inspired by the vivid Mediterranean landscape. SHAPES tells the story of Anna, a creator born of Mediterranean warmth and honed in London’s dynamic milieu. Anna’s journey from digital realms back to tactile roots intertwines tradition with modernity, crafting jewelry pieces that encapsulate the essence of Mediterranean coves.
I am Anna, I am from Barcelona, but I moved to London when I was 23 years old and started my professional career over there and lived there for 15 years, a long time! So sometimes I don’t feel from one place or the other. But I love that having lived somewhere for so long gives me a much open-minded perspective in life.
Anna, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Well after many many years of working in the digital industry, spending way too many hours in front of my computer I suddenly felt the urge to go back to the roots, to go back to why I picked this career when I was a young and naive student. I felt the urge to design something that was not on my screen, pick that pencil up again and potentially combine my professional skills with my old inner creative kid.
How and when did you come up with the idea for Shapes?
Yes! I took many ceramic classes, and I was terrible at it LOL! I actually hated it, I hated not having control of it, not being good at it as I am with my day-to-day job, but I loved the material itself and so I started thinking how I could twist it and make me love it. That’s how Shapes started.
Did you study this craft formally, take any classes, or just teach yourself?
So, the philosophy of SHAPES has always been using ceramic as the main material. At first, I used to create all the pieces by hands but soon I realised I did not have enough time for it. London is a very big city; the ceramic studio was far, and I worked long hours so I could not dedicate all the time I wanted. So, I started my research to partner up with someone. I quickly thought of someone I went to university in Barcelona with, I knew he had a ceramic studio and here conversations stared.
We first started working with molds, then when I moved to Barcelona, we started exploring ceramic 3D printing! Fascinating the things you can do with ceramics.
What materials do you like to use, and how do you find the people and partners to work with?
Each creation, designed with love in Spain, aims to infuse grey London days with a touch of sunshine. This narrative is not just about jewelry; it’s a celebration of cultural synthesis, personal journey, and the art of bringing sunshine into every crafted piece.
People. The way they dress, the way they move and interact with other people.
Who or what inspires you the most creatively?
Oh god! Great question. I have not managed any of it, but that is ok. I actually got onto a great start, I was very motivated I really wanted to quit my job forever and make SHAPES forever, but unfortunately it was so much hard work to make it happen, the reality was I needed support, I could not do it all on my own.
My corporate job was the one paying the bills and the «business» and then I moved back home to Spain, and I had a baby and I kinda started to put it aside, and to be honest right now it feels like a very high mountain to pick it up again.
What challenges have you faced so far?
I remember I was invited to a little market, my very first ceramics market. I was so nervous. But I worked so hard for it, my stand looked so beautiful. Everyone else around me sold plates, bowls, cups… the usual ceramics. So, I felt insecure. But it went so well and made me feel so happy.
The best story was this very old woman that came and tried a pair of earrings, she then started asking me if I thought they would pair up well with this new dress she bought. She was unsure… She said she would think about it… after 20 min she came back with the dress on and bought them. So beautiful.
Do you have any special stories you want to tell?
That when I put my mind to something I am capable of so much, and that even if this has gotten stuck (for now) I got really far and the beautiful comments I get from so many women while doing it and even today that is very much on the background was worth all the efforts.
What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself through all this?
I was so scared to have a baby, I thought it would ruin my independence, my career, my social and active life, and my relationship with my partner…
I was so in the wrong. It is the best thing I’ve done in my entire life. It has made me a better person, a better professional a better team worker and a better leader.
Is there a secret you’re ready to share for 2024?
This is a very hard one, I do not want to give the usual cliche advice of keep going and pursue your dreams… life is not the same for everyone and I do know how privileged I am. But I would say maybe ask yourself DOES THIS MAKE MY HEART SING? That will lead you onto the right path.
What advice would you offer to young women starting in the creative industry?
↳ Instagram: @shapes.ldn ↳ Website
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