THE PROCESS OF ENAMELING ON COPPER

Enamel is permanent, brilliant color. It is glass, not paint. I create copper enamel wall installations in panels, which, when displayed together, create large compositions of flowing patterns and gemlike colors.

I work on the design of the composition as a whole, but each panel is fired individually. I start with panels of solid copper which have been scoured until they gleam. Vitreous enamel (pulverized glass) is delicately sifted onto the copper. Fired by the intense heat of the kiln (1200 – 1500 degrees), the glass flows and combines and emerges from the kiln in a molten state. Magically, the vibrant and subtle hues are revealed as the panel cools. Sometimes enamel “jewels” are added to the design. The sifting–and – firing cycle is repeated until the desired effect is achieved. There can be as many as ten layers of color and multiple firings of each panel. This creates depth and texture and a sense of adventure at seeing something new at each viewing.

The colors are luminous and remain rich and permanent. People are drawn to run their fingers over the finished surfaces because they are shiny and smooth and cool to the touch. Copper enamel panels are tolerant of weather: water, sunlight, heat and cold.