Most of the world has been in lockdown for over a month now due to the COVID-19 crisis. A moment frozen in time, when people are faced with solitude, grief or anxiety and see their daily lives shift for the better or the worse. In this time of extreme uncertainty, we can also take the time to reflect, create and enjoy the passing of these strange elastic days. We thought it would be interesting to ask artists around the globe how their creative process has changed during the quarantine and if it has been an inspiring or rather daunting experience… with a quick snapshot of themselves in lockdown. Meet Stéphanie from the Paris-based brand D’Heygere who has revolutionized the world of accessories with super creative, functional and unexpected pieces. With D’Heygere, anything can be transformed into a stunning piece of jewelry with a bit of imagination and a poetic mindset. Find out how the Belgian designer is spending her days!

How has your daily life changed since lockdown began?

It has certainly changed, but I’m trying to stick to a routine: work during the week, rest on weekends! I work from home and e-communicate with my colleagues. I miss social contact a lot, but I’ve also regained a certain focus that I had lost a bit at the office. I feel very relaxed.

Have you had to rethink the way you create?

I haven’t changed the way I create, but I have become more rigorous with my creations. I ask myself more questions: is it really good? Who needs it? Who’s going to buy it? And I take more time to perfect each one.

Did you realize anything in particular during this time?

This is obviously the time to take a step back and question everything. In both directions. I get the impression that people only think about improving themselves, improving their daily life, improving the way they work… Certainly, yes, it’s necessary. But I think it’s also important to value the good things. It wasn’t all bad before.

Are you worried?

Yes and no. I’m worried because financially it’s not going to be easy, since we’re a young brand. But on the other hand I also like the idea of tackling this challenge, to try to be creative in other fields than designing accessories.

Do you feel more inspired or paralyzed by the lockdown?

It doesn’t particularly inspire me, but it doesn’t paralyze me either.

Have you started or returned to any activities that you do not normally have time to do?

I started running, but I hate it! I’ve started to tidy up my apartment but it’s far from over. But that’s okay, I don’t have to finish it before the lockdown’s over. I’m doing exactly what I was doing before but multiplied by a hundred. I cook more, call my friends for longer, read more books and watch more movies.

What do you think you’ll take away from this shutdown?

How strong we are! Who’d have thought they could stay locked up in their house for more than six weeks?

How do you see life after this crisis?

Honestly, I have a hard time imagining what the consequences might be, either negative or positive. But I can’t wait to find out.