A monthly column that keeps its finger on the pulse of Forsyth’s artists and their inspiring stories. This month’s featured artist and author, Sheridan C. Watkins, reminds women of their power and worth through unique accessories and jewelry that helps its wearer shine.
Sheridan C. Watkins | Perennial Peaces
How would you describe your work?
Perennial Peaces is a jewelry brand that encourages uniqueness and transformation with fun, lightweight accessories. We create handcrafted jewelry and gifts for evolving women and girls and our mission is to transcend self-worth and be your source for peace on Earth. Using unorthodox materials like fabric and felt, our jewelry designs merge vintage traditions with quirky and modern styles. While many jewelry brands focus on the individual, we focus on heirloom quality that can last generations. We strive to continue designing jewelry that illuminates your uniqueness so you can heal and transform.
What influences your designs?
Nature, God and sustainability. I’ve always been a lover of nature and plants (I’m even getting better at taking care of them). I’m also a lover of vintage and I love to repurpose things which is one reason I gravitated towards using fabric in my designs because certain fabrics are timeless. And God because He worked with me to bring Perennial Peaces to life.
How have you evolved, personally, as an artist/maker?
I’ve evolved in so many ways, from my character to my work ethic and endurance, and it gave me the permission to develop as an artist because I have freedom to do so. I’ve become comfortable with being uncomfortable and continue to push myself to try new things. I journal often and it’s always amazing to see how far I’ve come. September marks the 1st anniversary of me changing my business name to Perennial Peaces. I think it’s interesting how my artistry has led me to birthing a business that I hope will go beyond me. And my goal is to keep evolving.
Self-worth and transformation play a key part in your mission. How would you describe your own self-worth journey?
I now realize my self-worth journey started when I was born. All I was trying to do was discover who I was meant to be and life threw everything it had for me. As I evolved as a person and continued talking to people, I identified with them and it shifted my perspective that life doesn’t have to happen to you but can instead happen for you. Certain events in my life prompted me to go to therapy and it truly transformed me. I believe as long as I try, God helps me find the right resources (whether it’s the Bible, people, education, etc.) so I can grow.
How do you carve out time to be creative?
It can be tricky because my days don’t look the same but I had to get organized while also being flexible, so I look at my days, weeks or months ahead and carve time to only focus on making. I’m not perfect about carving out time, but when I do it intentionally, it allows my other tasks to have a deadline so I’m more disciplined. Whether it’s fulfilling orders, creating new jewelry designs, or learning a new skill, it’s all a creative outlet that I look forward to.
What are you working on that excites you right now?
I am learning traditional techniques of beading and I am so excited about it! I will have showcased it for the first time at the Black is Beautiful Bridal Show in August. I’ll soon be bringing more styles to Perennial Peaces. Think formal and bridal!
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists?
If you want to make a living from your art, don’t be afraid to tell people what you do, often. Even if you have a job, when someone asks what you do, lead with your business/art first because that’s a small way of manifesting what you want into reality. One day soon, that will 100% be the case. Audibly speak your life into existence, because words are very powerful and you might as well read The Word while you’re at it!
If you are interested in learning more about Sheridan and Perennial Peaces you can follow along on Facebook and Instagram @perennialpeaces as well as find her work online at www.perennialpeaces.com. If shopping locally, you can check her work out at this fall’s Southern Charm at the Farm event as well as several shops and galleries including the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts Gift Shop.
