Take a flat piece of pure copper. Cut a shape out of it (much like a cookie cutter). Anneal the copper (a tedius process of controlled heating and cooling). Pickle and wash the copper. Hammer it, bend it, hammer it again until it begins to take on a 3D image. The cold forging process begins by using any one of or a combination of a variety of stakes, anvils, hammers, pliers, chasing tools, punches or saws. The metal piece begins to take on a life of its own. As evidenced by much of her work, the metal working techniques of repousse' and chasing are among her favorites. Once the metal is in its desired form, it is ready for the enameling process (yup, all that work and it's still just a piece of copper).
Enameled (vitreous enamel is the proper name) metal (glass fused to copper) dates back to early dynastic times. The earliest examples date from the sixth century BC in the Mediterranean region. The enamels were used as gemstones in the bezels of gold finger rings. Knowledge of the enameling process spread gradually from Europe to Asia Minor, the Middle East, India, China and Japan. Enameling's popular emergence in America did not occur until the 1930s
Vitreous enamels fall into the categories of transparent, opaque and opalescent. Traditionally, there are six forms of enameling:
- champlove
- cloisonne'
- limoge
- plique-a-jour
- bassetaille
- grisaille
In addition to these traditional and ancient techniques, Sharon also employs dusting, sgrafitto, airbrush, photosensitivity and screen printing in the design of the pieces. To the casual observer, similar art forms could include enamel paint on metal or the use of epoxy enamel (which has the appearance of high temperature fired enamel, but it is a form of plastic and can be cured at room temperature or a conventional oven. Vitreous enamel and porcelain enamel are fired at temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1500 degrees F.
The process begins with a counter and clear coat of enamel application and the piece is fired. This first step in the enameling process is very important as it seals and protects the copper from any further oxidation. The piece is then ready for the colored enamels (glass). Several thin layers of enamel are applied and the piece is fired between each layer. Once the desired coloration is achieved, final details are applied. These may include feather markings on birds, features of a face, etc. After the details are applied, the piece is fired one last time. The edges of the piece are then checked for shards of glass which are filed off. Additional filing is required should the piece be made as wearable art. Each piece is fired a minimum of four times and some as many as ten. Both sides of the metal are enameled, eliminating tension, warping and cracking.
The entire process can take days. Sharon considers a few days time for a lifetime piece worth the effort. Her pieces are heirloom quality that will be around for many generations.
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