Penny Kostoula was born and raised in Greece, a country of extreme contrasts that inevitably leave their mark.

As the Greek saying goes, she had "the bug of creation" from a very young age, creating her first sculptures at the age of eight. Growing up, her love for clay animation flourished. Her university studies in dental technology further developed her skills and introduced her to the field of jewellery, which naturally aligns with dental technology. Influenced by her country’s rich history in jewellery, Penny fell in love with classic gold and silversmithing, focusing on detailed craftsmanship.

However, her desire for experimentation and self-expression led her to explore contemporary jewellery. This journey brought her to study at the Krama Institute in Athens and to earn her BFA from Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School in Florence. Though relatively new to the world of contemporary jewellery, Penny's works consistently reflect her heritage, imbued with a sense of nostalgia and a deeply personal narrative. To convey her multi-layered symbolism, she continually experiments with materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of her craft.

Penny created the "Underline Threads" project, seeking to discover within herself the connecting link to her past and the memories that shaped her existence. She revives these childhood memories through sculpture and family heirlooms. Alabaster from Tuscany represents the new generation—cold and shapeless—symbolising modernity's starkness and detachment, while the textile handed down by her grandmother to the loom conveys warmth and familiarity that harks back in time. This juxtaposition of elements highlights the perceived disconnect between the contemporary world and our cultural roots, yet also reveals the unbroken continuity that persists beneath the surface.

By illuminating the invisible threads that connect us to our past, this work invites viewers to reflect on the enduring impact of cultural heritage. It emphasises how, despite our focus on the present and future, the unconscious influence of our heritage continues to shape our identities and perceptions in profound ways. This project seeks to remind us that our roots, though often overlooked, remain a fundamental part of who we are.

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