METAL-a chameleon. It can be manipulated in infinite ways. Though the basic techniques and tools have remained basically unchanged over centuries, contemporary metalsmiths still enjoy the opportunity to create new and unique items from silver, gold, platinum, copper, bronze and more.
There are many, many processes which can be applied to metals. We can pierce, fold, texture, stretch, solder, form, deform, engrave, inlay, crochet, weave, cast, laminate, etch, electroform, chase and repousse. There is so much more!
Perhaps this is why I have such a diversified offering. It is impossible for me to limit myself to any given technique or "look". I go with whatever I'm in the mood to do. I instinctively crave balance and working with varied techniques gives me that.
All pieces have been hand wrought and are one of a kind. Many of my pieces are convertible meaning that they can be worn in different ways, such as pin/necklaces. I generally fabricate everything from sheet and wire though I may be doing some wax carving and casting soon-like I said, it's all fun!
There are many, many processes which can be applied to metals. We can pierce, fold, texture, stretch, solder, form, deform, engrave, inlay, crochet, weave, cast, laminate, etch, electroform, chase and repousse. There is so much more!
Perhaps this is why I have such a diversified offering. It is impossible for me to limit myself to any given technique or "look". I go with whatever I'm in the mood to do. I instinctively crave balance and working with varied techniques gives me that.
All pieces have been hand wrought and are one of a kind. Many of my pieces are convertible meaning that they can be worn in different ways, such as pin/necklaces. I generally fabricate everything from sheet and wire though I may be doing some wax carving and casting soon-like I said, it's all fun!
ENAMEL-another chameleon. Another addiction! Like metal, enamel possesses the ability to be worked in infinite ways. An enamelist can use enamels of many forms; the finely ground glass powder, either sifted or wet packed, opaque or transparent, as liquid, as lumps and threads, as crayons or pencils or chalk, as watercolor or as oil paint.
Techniques used with enamels include cloisonne, champleve, basse taille, sifting, plique-a-jour, sgraffito and various drawing and painting techniques. Many times several different techniques are used together in the same piece.
Most of my enamel work is cloisonne. I enjoy the fact that it incorporates working with metal as well as enamel. Though some would find it tedious, I adore it. The colors are built up by applying many layers, each only two to three grains thick.. Each cloisonne piece is kiln fired many times, often as many as 20 times. Once the cells are filled, then I hand grind the piece to achieve a smooth surface, sometimes with a satin sheen, glossy at other times. It is a technically challenging process which involves much time and care but one which is totally addictive!
I also enjoy basse taille which is a magical pairing of glass on top of multi-level metal. The metal is often etched with acid or engraved though other means are often used to produce design in the metal. When transparent enamel is fired upon the textural metal the result is much more than the sum of the parts. I'm looking forward to doing more of this.
I am currently working on some ideas involving other metal and enameling techniques. As I update this site I will also update this section with information specific to new additions as well as expanding upon the current content. In the meantime, enjoy!
Techniques used with enamels include cloisonne, champleve, basse taille, sifting, plique-a-jour, sgraffito and various drawing and painting techniques. Many times several different techniques are used together in the same piece.
Most of my enamel work is cloisonne. I enjoy the fact that it incorporates working with metal as well as enamel. Though some would find it tedious, I adore it. The colors are built up by applying many layers, each only two to three grains thick.. Each cloisonne piece is kiln fired many times, often as many as 20 times. Once the cells are filled, then I hand grind the piece to achieve a smooth surface, sometimes with a satin sheen, glossy at other times. It is a technically challenging process which involves much time and care but one which is totally addictive!
I also enjoy basse taille which is a magical pairing of glass on top of multi-level metal. The metal is often etched with acid or engraved though other means are often used to produce design in the metal. When transparent enamel is fired upon the textural metal the result is much more than the sum of the parts. I'm looking forward to doing more of this.
I am currently working on some ideas involving other metal and enameling techniques. As I update this site I will also update this section with information specific to new additions as well as expanding upon the current content. In the meantime, enjoy!
As if metal was not enough, I cannot resist a beautiful stone. Just as when I was a child, I have an extensive "collection" of stones waiting for me to give them life in a piece. The stones will tell me where they want to be when the time is right!
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