Most days, Decatur artist and designer Shana Bentley grabs a coffee, gets her son Max off to school then goes to work in her studio. On her commute, she plays with pups Bruno and Luca, checks the weather by turning her face to the sun and wanders through her pretty Sycamore Heights backyard to a tidy studio.
I met Shana when she was primarily metal smithing, creating beautiful modern jewelry that appealed to my minimalist heart. Mostly self-trained, with classes under her belt from her time in art-centric Burlington, Vermont, Shana credits mentors and like-minded friends there for encouraging her to open a small studio and retail space. Since moving to Decatur four years ago, she and her husband Tim built the home studio that now provides her more artistic flexibility. After an endometriosis diagnosis and resulting surgery earlier this year, Shana has moved away from jewelry making. “It can be very physically taxing, especially when working with metals. Lots of sawing, sanding and polishing by hand,” says Shana. "One item can take hours and hours to create. I always prided myself on making each unique piece by hand which would take its toll over time.”
So, she dipped into painting and instantly fell in love with the process. “I found I could still create unique pieces with less physical stress on my body. Painting has become more of a daily therapeutic practice for me. I’ve found more joy in it where it doesn’t feel like work.”
Moving away from jewelry making, she feels the artistic expression is still about creating beautiful things. “I feel my style has translated seamlessly from jewelry to art. I think the connection between the two is more related to having a strong eye for design,” says Shana. “Jewelry is adornment for your body so there are parallels between this and the vintage clothing I love to source. I do source a lot of home decor items as well, which is essentially adornment for your home.”
Scouring area thrift stores and estate sales, she looks for antique frames for her art and decor. Some of her favorite finds include a wooden stool hand-painted with a colorful folk art motif. “The piece brings two simple things together in a beautiful way. Also I am drawn to anything that is simple and classic such as brass figurines, rattan vases, an ironstone dish in the perfect creamy white to complete a plate wall - anything that adds warmth and texture to a room.”
She explains that her discerning eye now gravitates towards unique patterns, simple silhouettes. “Really anything rooted in Scandinavian simplicity when layered with classic everyday items that creates a look or environment that feels considered and loved.”
Look for Shana’s brand, Firstborn Jewelry at local artist markets later this year along with open studio hours for pop-up shops. For now, follow Shana at firstbornjewelry.com.