Spotlight on: Shimara Carlow
Nature-Inspired jewellery: A Glimpse Into the Work of Shimara Carlow
Many of the makers exhibiting at DesignYard create work that in some way reflects the beauty of nature and we love the personal stories behind each piece. Shimara Carlow is an example of a maker whose work deeply connects with the natural world. From the delicate forms of seed pods to the rugged landscapes of her childhood, nature has always been an essential influence in Shimara's pieces.
Inspired by Nature: The Seed Pod Collections
Shimara Carlow’s work is simply titled after the plants that inspired them: for example the Acorn Cup, Honesty collection and the Gum Nut range. The Acorn cup, which started as an exercise during art school, has become an integral part of her collection.
For the Honesty collection, she was inspired by the silvery seed pods of the Honesty plant, using techniques like reticulation and acid treatments to replicate the plant’s delicate beauty.
The Gum Nut range in contrast, is cast directly from nature and is based on the unique shapes she discovered during a trip to Adelaide, Australia.
Childhood in Ireland and Education in the UK
Growing up on a mountainside in West Cork (Irl) surrounded by nature, was key to developing Shimara’s artistic direction. "We didn’t have a TV or many toys. We spent most of our time outdoors exploring," says Shimara. Later, her she attended Kilquhanity House School in Scotland, which teaches based on Steiner principles, and further nurtured her artistic talents with daily hands-on classes in woodwork, ceramics, and art.
Balancing Two Continents: The UK and Australia
In 2008 Shimara made the big move to Australia, where she now lives with her young family. From Melbourne, Shimara maintains a strong connection with Europe through galleries like DesignYard and long-term relationships built over years of exhibiting at art fairs and trade shows. The support of family, including Shimara’s mother, who runs a gallery in Scotland, helps maintain this dual presence.
The Studio and Process
Shimara’s studio in Melbourne is a converted garden garage, which serves as both a creative space and a home office, allowing her to balance family life and work. "It’s a wonderful setup that lets me be a full-time mom and artist," she explains.
Besides her jewellery she also makes hand-raised silver bowls and vessels. It is labor-intensive and physically demanding process that involves hammering flat sheets of silver over a metal stake, slowly transforming them into sculptural pieces—a slow but rewarding technique that brings out the texture and strength of the metal.
Combining Metals and Materials
Shimara uses both gold and silver to create contrast in pieces like the Acorn Cup rings, adding warmth and depth. Hand-shaped elements of silk paper, particularly in larger neckpieces, brings a delicate touch, mimicking the fragility and strength found in nature. Working with papier-mâché allows her to create unique forms and textures that are impossible to achieve with metal alone.
Custom Commissions: A New Direction
One of the most interesting projects Shimara worked on recently was a traditional engagement ring design for a friend, leading them to expand into a new line of wedding bands, engagement rings, and eternity rings, alongside her stacking rings. These pieces blend traditional aesthetics with the artist’s signature tactile, organic feel, offering a personal touch to significant moments in life.
Looking Forward
Shimara's work continues to evolve, but her love for nature-inspired design remains constant. Whether you're exploring her latest collection or commissioning a custom piece, each design invites you to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of the natural world.
Visit DesignYard to discover more of Shimara's stunning creations.
