Between the Precious Glass Folds: Etch, Score, Fold, Stitch, Enamel…Repeat! with Alicia Jane Boswell

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A workshop on non-traditional construction methods & application processes in vitreous
enamel.

Construction & fabrication of enameled jewelry or objects is predominantly based on the very
nature of enamel, its fragility, precious characteristics and realistically how it reacts with the metal surface underneath. Planning can often be tedious and time consuming and can naturally cause hesitation in regards to a final design. This hesitation also can lead to fear of experimentation in regards to vitreous enamel as a creative material choice as an artist, jeweler or maker.

This workshop will begin with students learning the process of etching copper sheet in order to create exciting textures, imagery & patterns in metal. Students will then explore a variety of ways to fabricate and connect their etched metal, beginning with flat paper templates as guides to then score & fold, tab & fold, solder, sew, or stitch into exciting three dimensional forms.

Although the students will leave with a basic understanding of the traditional technique of Champlevé, the primary focus of this workshop will be on pushing the boundaries of the application of enamel to non-conventionally constructed three-dimensional forms in metal. Preparation of metal and application (wet or dry) will be discussed. With an open mind, attention, and respect to the material choices and processes, these alternative methods can be quickly utilized to create interesting three-dimensional forms to then enamel. Allowing for color experimentation and surprises, but also freedom to question and push boundaries with the decorative, precious, and fragile qualities of vitreous enamel as a material choice.

This workshop is perfect for beginners as well as experienced students.

Alicia Jane Boswell  (MFA  the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, BFA in Functional Design at Murray State University in Kentucky) is known for her ability to meld textile art techniques with metalsmithing and enameling. She has attained positions of visiting professor, sabbatical replacement, adjunct faculty, studio assistant & technician, artist-in- residence, and visiting (workshop) instructor at arts/crafts education centers around the United States and internationally. In 2013 Alicia was honored to be invited to assist and display work in a lecture/workshop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art -Ratti Textile Center which coincided with the exhibition “Gems of European Lace” 1600-1920. In April of the same year she was also invited by the Textile Support Organization in Pavia Italy to lecture, teach a small jewelry workshop in traditional bobbin lacemaking using fine gauges of metal wire and to do extensive research for her studio practice. She also has participated in SIERAAD the International Jewelry Fair in Amsterdam. After working for in the jewelry industry for a period, Alicia made the significant decision to apply to be the 2015/16 Artist-In-Resident at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, Florida in the Jewelry and Metalsmithing department for a year. Upon receiving this honor and moving to beautiful Florida she began again to create her studio work while also pursuing her love of teaching. She now resides in Lake Worth/West Palm Beach Florida where she maintains a small studio practice, teaches enameling and metalsmithing workshops/classes at the Armory Art Center as well as adjunct professor in the Art Department at Palm Beach State College. Alicia is also honored to be a newly elected board member for the Enamelist Society beginning 2018.

Workshop Hours:

Friday-Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM , with meal breaks at the Richmond Art Center, Richmond, CA

Cost: $425 plus $35 materials fee

Materials List: Provided upon registration or when ready

Registration: Limited to 8

Refund Policy: No refunds unless your workshop position can be filled by another person.

Lodging, Meals, Transportation:

Coming from out of town? Check AirBnB, Priceline, and other discounted online lodging sources, The Center will try help you make your stay comfortable and stress free while you are a workshop participant.