WHAT IS THIS ART FORM?

he art of enameling is the fusing of specially prepared glass to metal using extremely high, controlled heat, ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. I use kilns and torches to get the enamels to fuse to the metals. The metals I use most often are copper or steel for the large pieces, and for small items such as jewelry, I will sometimes use fine (pure) silver or gold. This art form is very ancient. The oldest work was found on the island of Cyprus around 750 B.C. and is now in the Louvre in Paris. The most well-known techniques are Cloisonne, which has wires embedded in the enamel; Champleve, which is enamel set into recessed areas of the metal; Basse-Taille, which is done using transparent enamels and shows different levels in the metals; and Grisaille, which looks a little like a black and white photograph. Another well known technique is called Limoges and is in the painting style. This began in Limoges, France around the 15th Century. Since "the good old days" the art of Enameling has become more varied and exciting and the artist feels free to experiment and invent new techniques as well as use combinations of the established older techniques. This is more what I enjoy doing. . . therefore, my enamels cannot usually be classified as any one particular type. I hope that my work will always reflect the joy and the challenge which I feel while creating my Enamel Art.