Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Myrcik.
Sheila, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always been an artist, starting from when I was very little. I have worked in many areas of art and performance still to this day. Some of the many jobs include theater,dance,music,painting,drawing,makeup artist, interior design, fashion design, costume design and jewelry design.
I have always loved jewelry. I remember when I was little and I would play with my mothers jewelry. It always had this magical and intimate feeling, that still remains with me till this day. Not only do I love designing and making it, but I love looking at old and new designs, expensive and inexpensive.
I started designing jewelry in my grade school days with simple beading,wire wrapping and macrame. My teenage years advanced me to other methods of designing and creating jewelry and towards my late teens, I began learning how to work with metal. I went to the Art Institute of Chicago and received my BFA and while I obtained a well rounded scope of Art and Design, my main focus was on Fashion/Accessory/Jewelry Design.
I have always sold my jewelry to class mates and friends.Later I would sell at Boutiques,Galleries,Museums,as well as Art Shows.Cities included not only Chicago, but New York and Los Angeles.
My new goal is to finally open an internet store. I have a Facebook page for my jewelry, a blog and an instagram account. I can also be found on Linkedin.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have many ups and downs being an artist. I believe that is why I wear so many hats in the art world. It allows me to work, make a living and explore other areas of art and creativity. I am constantly recreating myself, however, I have been very fortunate to still work and survive in the land of art.
My biggest challenge as an artist is to learn technology, while it is a great tool for so many things, it has been a learning process and one I am still trying to wrap my head around! Let’s just say, I feel like a dinosaur ! I did not grow up with computers and my work never involved it, so its been a little rocky, not to mention the fear factor of all kinds of issues that goes with technology, upgrades and figuring out how to use these tools to open the doors to range of different opportunities, has been time consuming and it feels like another career in itself. I would love to just be in the studio designing and creating and not have to worry or deal with the marketing and selling, but I realize it is time to take the Bull by its Horns and get past the fear and confusion and just do it!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sheila Designs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I design jewelry that is unique and one of a kind, that has a sculptural feel to it, as well as a twist of modern and ancient/antique look to it. It speaks to the individual and is personal.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the fact that Chicago has more artist outlets for artist these days. I like that there are many fun neighborhoods to explore and to support local business. I do fear that with raising cost we will see a decline in local business and people will resort to online buying, which can be wonderful and a plus, however when I see empty store fronts where stores use to be it concerns me. I am still old school where I liked to enjoy my day and browse stores to see what’s out there and to dine or grab a tea.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1224 W. Elmdale
1W - Phone: 7732907531
- Email: sheilamyrcik@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Audrey Nielsin
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