Colorful Memories
Sorry, this one is sold
Enamel in its dry form is a glass powder somewhat finer than granulated sugar. A base coat of enamel is fired onto the metal base in a kiln. The base is usually fine silver, fine gold, or copper. Fine silver or fine gold (24K) cloisonné wires (and in some cases copper) are shaped and positioned onto the base coat. The wires are fired in place and subsequently the cells are packed with multiple layers of enamel, with firing between each layer, converting the layers to solid glass. The beautiful depth in the enamel piece is created by the layering and by blending and shading the colors in each layer. As many as 20 firings are required in some cases.
All of my enameled pieces are one-of-a-kind and I nearly always make them one at a time unless I am working on a pair of earrings or multiple enamels that will go into the same piece.
I am a jewelry artist and not a photographer. Since I want a record of my work and need photos for my website and other marketing media, I have invested the time to learn to photograph my own work. The enamels, however, present a whole new challenge! I am never satisfied with the photos. When there is enough light on the piece to show more of its "life" there is also enough to cause glare and "washed out" areas. I hope my photography skills will evolve. Please just know that there is no way for any photographer, no matter how professional, to show the play of colors in glass pieces that occurs when various intensities of light from varying angles hit the piece. These pieces are so very much more beautiful in person!