glass fused to copper

 

Enameling is a technique that involves fusing glass to metal using intense heat.

In my jewelry, I use copper that has been manipulated - acid etched, formed, drilled - and then enameled, using lead-free enamels. I then set the pieces in silver.

My work explores the textures and colors that occur when intense heat is introduced to copper and glass - sometimes predictable, sometimes surprising.

metal and fire

Firing in a kiln brings the copper up to a temperature where the oxides in the metal are released. These oxides are then trapped by the layer of transparent enamel. Often, I highlight the etched areas by applying a black ink-like enamel. This creates a nice contrast between the rich hues of the oxides trapped in the enamel and the etched areas.