Enameling is an ancient art, dating as far back as the 6th century BC, yet I find that most people outside the field of art are unfamiliar with the medium.  We just do not see many pieces of enameling, and those which we do find are most usually incorporated into a piece of jewelry.

I cannot understand this; it is a most exciting medium in which to work, yet while our schools teach students to work with pottery, jewelry, metal, wood, few teach enameling.  During the 1950s and 1960s there was a sort of resurgence of interest and small enamel kilns were being offered in hobby shops, but then interest seemed to disappear, and the serious students turned to other artistic areas in which to create. 

I guess I'm a throwback to those times, having discovered enamels through my work as a Recreational Therapist, subsequently buying my own kiln and essentially learning through trial and error.  Sometimes terrible, sometimes wonderful errors, and I learned by trying to avoid or repeat them.   After enameling for many years, I stopped completely for perhaps 20 years  -- resuming 4 years ago with renewed interest and enthusiasm. 

Through a slide show, my website will illustrate the process: it is not clean work, it requires many steps but the results, that combination of transparent glass fused onto copper, is exciting, rich in brilliance and depth of colors.  Although I have brought them to life, it is this combination, fired in a kiln, which takes on a life of its own. I can only take partial credit for the results.

Bonnie Shopper
21 Aberdeen Pl.
Clayton, MO 63105
314-862-0408
e-mail Bonnie
www.shopperenamels.com

 

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