Enamels On and Off the Body – with Jennifer Wells

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In this workshop we will use wire and a variety of enameling techniques to create two very different kinds of work: unique sculptural jewelry, and whimsical wall pieces.

For the jewelry, we will create complex dimensional pieces by pairing simple backings with enameled shapes of fine iron wire that we have formed and then enameled with liquid enamel. This process, which Wells has perfected for her own work, makes striking jewelry, as the lines of the enameled iron wire contrast beautifully with the monochrome colors and shapes of the flat pieces.

For the wall pieces, we will focus on line and color to create works full of color and subtle complexity. Working on flat copper sheet, we will make lines by using sgraffito in liquid enamel and pencil drawing on enamel applied to the surface, and achieve complex color layering through multiple sifting techniques and painting with watercolors and china paints. We will make frames for this work by bending iron wire in imaginative designs and configurations.  

In addition to several different enameling techniques, this workshop will explore solutions to the presentation of enamels, using wire.  How can we set flat enamel elements and place them on the human body? How can we frame a flat enameled piece wall so that the frame enhances what the enameled piece has to say?

Enameling techniques that will be taught:            

• Using liquid enamel to coat iron wire
• Sgraffito through liquid enamel
• pencil drawing on an enameled surface
• painting with watercolor enamels
• sifting to create complex layering

A basic understanding of enameling is required.

Jennifer Wells completed her M.F.A in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design in 2010; afterwards she spent a year at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts as a resident artist, and also completed shorter-term residencies at Pocosin Arts and the Jentel Foundation. She has been a summer assistant for Haystack Mountain School of Craft and a Visiting Assistant Professor at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Until recently shehas taught Jewelry and Enameling in Italy with East Carolina University’s Italy Intensives program headed by Linda Darty.

Workshop Hours:

Wednesday – Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM , with meal breaks at the Crucible in Oakland,  CA

Cost: $425 plus $30 materials fee

Materials List: Provided upon registration or when ready

Registration: Limited to 10

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.