The Los Angeles-based jewelry designer Anna Sheffield is adjusting to life after lockdown. Since the Coronavirus outbreak forced California residents inside, Sheffield’s New York and L.A. stores are now back open by appointment only.
Whitewall caught up with Sheffield to hear how she was doing. From home, she was imagining new recipes from produce by Community Supported Agriculture, listening to podcasts, and FaceTiming her family.
Courtesy of Anna Sheffield.
WHITEWALL: How are you doing?
ANNA SHEFFIELD: Hmmm, well, I quite often feel two disparate things in tandem—maybe it’s a Gemini rising thing, or because I am an artist and an entrepreneur. Right brain, left brain; heart, head. I am definitely feeling the weight of this health crisis and how it’s impacting the world. On one hand, I feel like it’s a miracle that mother nature and wild things are getting a break from us humans.
Courtesy of Anna Sheffield.
But on the other, I am heartbroken for those battling the crisis in our cities, hospitals, and indigenous communities. In contrast to all of that, I am feeling immensely and sincerely blessed on a personal level. I get to be in my house in L.A., cooking, gardening, and working, and taking more time for myself than I have in years.
WW: What are you listening to?
Courtesy of Anna Sheffield.
AS: My friend Naeem made this playlist on Spotify. I’ve been loving it. I’ve also been listening to so many podcasts, depending on my mood. On a day when I’m feeling deep—On Being. I am obsessed with how magical, articulate, and enlightening Krista Tippett is. For small wonders—Modern Love or The Moth. For my nerdy side—Hidden Brain, TED, or HBR. To get my mind off things—Broken Record.
WW: What are you reading?
Courtesy of Anna Sheffield.
AS: This Could Be Our Future by Yancey Strickler. And because I’m always reading at least two books at once, I’m also reading Man’s Rise to Civilization: As shown by the Indians of North America by Peter Farb.
WW: What are you watching?
Courtesy of Anna Sheffield.
AS: I don’t watch a ton of TV or many movies, honestly. But we started Westworld Season 1 recently. I know! late to the party! I also am obsessed with Night on Earth.
WW: What are you cooking?
Courtesy of Anna Sheffield.
AS: I am cooking up a storm on the daily, trying all kinds of new vegan things. I’ve been making vegan cheeses and pesto to go with my husband’s sourdough pizzas. Coming up new recipes based on the beautiful Community Supported Agriculture produce we are getting, which is fun. I made the most delicious zucchini and chickpea fritters with herbed yogurt the other day.
WW: How are you staying connected?
AS: All the devices! I FaceTime with my brother, his wife, and their baby who are located in Amsterdam, and with my mom in Taos, New Mexico. Of course, calls and Zoom meetings and panel discussions with the occasional “six-feet-apart” masked walks with friends in the neighborhood.
WW: How are you staying creative? Are you able to make work at this time?
AS: I’m always creating in some way, shape, or form. I made some drawings for new pieces not too long ago, and I’ve done a few custom designs for clients. Lots of cooking, as mentioned! I quite like being creative in the kitchen as the end result is enjoyed in the moment and then it’s just remembered. I like the ephemeral aspect of that along with trying to make everything beautiful on the plate—jewel-toned food being a theme around here.
WW: Where are you finding hope or inspiration?
AS: The people and organizations coming together to help our Native American communities gives me hope. For example, the Orenda Tribe has partnered with Seeding Sovereignty to raise awareness and funds for food, books, and PPE for tribes in New Mexico. We are going to extend support to their initiative through our Future Heritage Fund. And nothing brings me more hope and inspiration than witnessing how nature just keeps on being amazing even as the world feels like it’s on standstill. Green shoots, new leaves on the branches, a profusion of blooms on everything from iris bulbs and jasmine bushes, to the arugula and the cacti. Bless.
