Militsa is an artist, designer, and maker based in Glasgow. She holds a BA (Hons) in Silversmithing and Jewellery from The Glasgow School of Art. Her practice centres on creating objects as a way of expressing thoughts, emotions, and personal reflections. Drawing from her surroundings and lived experiences, she explores ideas that capture her curiosity. Through examining ordinary, everyday objects, she questions how we assign value and meaning, inviting reflection on what is considered precious and why. Her pieces aim to spark conversations about worth, memory, and material culture. Militsa’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally and is included in private collections.

Title: What Could Have Been but Never Was

Teachers: Silvia Weidenbach, Andrew Lamb

The collection explores the impact of immigrating at a very young age on my relationship with my extended family. I gathered ordinary objects which belonged to my relatives and contemplated how these seemingly insignificant items, can hold so many memories and personal significance.

Focusing on the negative space within these familiar objects, I created pieces that fit inside or around them. Acting as metaphors for being part of my family, yet detached from it. The pieces playfully engage with the function of each object.

An empty case for glasses, once belonging to my grandfather, was the starting point of the collection. The empty space inside of it, became the inspiration for the concept of ‘filling the void' metaphorically and literally. I created a pendant alluding to an eyewear retainer's role in holding something important close at all times.

The pendant and ring set explores the concept of value and subverts traditional norms by using silver to create a measuring scale - an object typically made from base metal to weigh precious items - and a wedding band crafted in brass instead of gold.

The ring fits exactly in the cavity on the back of my grandfather’s pocket scale. The solder join is messy, emphasizing that precious doesn't mean perfect, rare or expensive; it simply needs to mean something to you.

The pendant refers to the object’s function, acting as a scale when hanging from it. The shape of the ring is sand blasted on the silver to mark where it should sit so the scale can balance.

Piece 1 - Pendant for a glasses case

Materials: Sterling silver, cotton cord, silicone stoppers

Techniques: Metal forming, soldering, piercing, filing, sanding, drilling, puk welding, riveting

Size:75*60*15 mm

Piece 2 - Pendant and a ring for a pocket scale

Materials: Sterling silver, cotton cord, brass

Techniques: Metal forming, soldering, piercing, filing, sanding, drilling, sandblasting, puk welding, riveting

Size:85*85*10mm