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FYI: My Materials and Techniques
Vitreous enamel is an ancient technique believed to date back as far as the 13th century B.C. in Cyprus. Ground silica and lead are the major components found in enamel. Once fired at a very high temperature, these elements will fuse to a base metal of gold, silver, copper or steel. The art of cloisonne was developed in Egypt sometime around 4000 B.C., and was used to set stones and pieces of glass. Once fusing enamel to metal was discovered the cloisonne process was applied, incorporating wire and enamel. Cells or cloisins are made by bending a thin ribbon-like wire into the desired shape. The cloisins are then filled with enamel in very fine layers. Each layer is fired, in order to fuse the enamel to the base metal, and then a new coat is applied. Once the enamel is flush with the height of the wire strip, the piece is then sanded smooth. Related to cloisonne, is the plique a jour techique. Here, enamel is separted into cells like cloisonne, but the metal base or backing is removed. This allows light to shine through the enamel, much like stained glass.
Other techniques in enamel include various acid etching processes, and forms of painting. The basse-taille method involves first etching, engraving or stamping a design into metal, then filling the recessed areas with enamel. A topcoat of enamel is then added over the entire piece. The champleve process is similar. The first two steps of basse-taille are repeated, but instead of adding the final layer of enamel, part of the metal remains exposed. Grisaille is a sifted or painted enamel process which begins with a solid black background. Layers of white are added slowly, creating degrees of grey to white, allowing an image to be formed.
Many of these techniques are applied in my work. By builiding upon these basic concepts, new creations arise.
FYI: a Cleveland Gallery that Carries My Work
Thomas Riley Galleries, Eton Atrium, 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, OH 44122
216-765-1711, www.Rileygalleries.com
"For over twenty years, the Thomas R. Riley Galleries have been proud to offer the finest in museum-quality timeless forms with an emphasis on three-dimensional glass art sculptures as well as those in wood, metal, ceramic, fiber and gemstone."
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Margaret is a member of
Ohio Designer Craftsmen, ohiocraft.org
"Our mission is to promote the fine crafts aesthetic by establishing a standard of excellence, encouraging creative growth, providing professional support to craft artists, and building public awareness, appreciation and collection of fine craft."
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