Magdelena Pillai still can’t believe her work has been selected to be exhibited at the prestigious Milano Jewelry Week in October.

This was the same reaction the Kiama-based jeweler had last year when she was approached by the organisers of the event and asked to lodge a submission.

Her work was judged by a panel and selected then, but COVID prevented the event being held in 2021.

“The day my jewels arrived last year they had to postpone,” says Magdelena.

“I got automatic acceptance into this year’s show and have had a year to work on pieces especially for it.

“Last year it was all so last minute I had to use what I had left over.”

The four day show attracts jewels from around the world, all one of a kind pieces.

One of the pieces off to Milano

“There will be over 400 jewelers each showing two to six pieces of their work, which will be displayed in galleries, museums and other wonderful venues throughout the city,” says Magdelena, whose family came to Australia as refugees from the Czech Republic when she was a child.

She has sent two large pieces – her Singing With the Trees necklace and Fern cuff – to showcase her style which uses recycled silver, brass and copper recycled in Australia and natural stones and textures.

“The exhibition I am part of is a fusion of artists, painters and writers inspired by the theme of Elemental. My work will be the earth element,” says Magdelena.

“This is perfect because my work features a lot of patterns found in nature and really raw textures you find in rocks. I often beat my silver into rocks to get texture.

“While it would be wonderful to sell my work, I am so excited about meeting all of those different creative people through a whole program of activities.”

Her simple tools of trade

It is an amazing opportunity to get her name out there, with the organisers of the event producing catalogues that are sent to galleries around the world who deal with collectors wanting one-off pieces.

“I know I am going to be blown away. And inspired. And intimidated. It is going to be amazing.”

Magdelena was drawn to jewellery making as a young teenager when she found the jewellery at a local market would “take me travelling to a different world”.

All of her pieces are made from recycled silver, copper and brass

While she has had no formal training, Magdalena has studied under a number of mentors and taught herself by trying new things.

Having lived in Kiama for 16 years, she is constantly inspired by the beauty and patterns of nature here.

Her work is available for viewing and sale at www.vsporaart.com and stocked at Deer Willow in Manning St and Moss Nest in Berry.