I am an enameller, at least that’s how I think of myself. This doesn’t mean that I restrict the materials that I use solely to those that can be fired in a kiln. I love to make larger mixed media pieces combining different crafts and techniques.
I tried many crafts in my childhood it was a bit of a family tradition, mostly these were fabric based, with knitting and crochet and sewing.
In my teens however I discovered enamelling and (with some divergence into other media while studying jewellery design at art college and for some time after when I set up my home studio) I haven’t looked back. Enamelling is an ancient craft which has its origins in the desire to create colour in the kind of magnificent gold jewellery that has been found in Viking burials when precious and semi-precious stones were not available. My enamelling is a little more modest in terms of materials and I generally use copper, silver is another metal that can be enamelled, and with specialist enamels stainless steel. Firing temperatures are around 800 degrees centigrade.
I currently have a Studio at Avoncroft Arts Centre in Bromsgrove and in addition to making my own pieces, I run taster sessions for small groups(2-3 people) and individuals.
