Swirl Pin’, ‘Repeating Swirl Pendant’, ‘Leaf Pendant’

Materials: Opaque Enamel, Silver & 18k Gold;

Opaque Enamel, Silver, Nylon Coated Steel Wire;

Opaque Enamel, Silver Foil, Graphite

Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 10mm, 45 x 45 x 5mm, 50 x 40 x 5mm

I usually work in silver and epoxy resin, embedding small, miniscule organic designs in opaque or semi-translucent resin. Most recently I have been experimenting with enamelling and translating contemporary organic designs of the resin to enamelled glass.

One of the techniques I found successful is Cloisonné, where many layers of enamel glass are partitioned by flattened wire placed edgeways on a backing plate. Each layer of enamel is heated in a kiln and fused until built up to the edge of the wire. The final layer is then ground and smoothed with carborundum stone leaving a mat opaque finish. I chose opaque white enamel and silver wire for the technique, with just one piece taking many sittings, I loved the very essence of this and the knowledge of it being an ancient technique.

The enamel pieces are set in fabricated silver frames held in place with pins, exposing the entire decorated surface of the enamel. I was sensitive to the heaviness of metal and glass as opposed to the lighter qualities of resin and silver, I found success in piercing the metal or texturing with a rolling mill with embossed paper. The cable necklaces are strong and keep their shape to withstand the extra weight.

Reacting to these new materials and techniques is fresh and exciting, combined with the preciousness of the glass enamels and the time that goes into preparation, firing and finishing. The enamel work feels organic, precious and timeless.