What Are Enamels?
Enameling is the process of applying a specially prepared glass to a copper sheet and fusing the two together through the use of intense heat. The colored ground glass may be applied with a sifter, paintbrush, or by hand. After the colors have been applied to the copper sheet, the enamel is then fired in an electric kiln where the glass melts and adheres to the copper. This process may be repeated up to 20 times until a painting is finally completed.
Enamel is a unique medium in regard to its quality. It is regarded as an eternal medium, where the colors do not fade with time and its texture remains true to form. Another unique characteristic of enamel is the brilliance and richness of color that is unsurpassed. From the many layers of applied glass ascends a lustrous depth that creates strong, beautiful hues of saturated, rich color.
Are Enamels New?
Enamels have a long, rich heritage that reaches as far back as the 6th century B.C. The Greeks were the first to use enamels in cloisonné techniques, where the colored glass was set in between thin, gold wires on a small scale. The works survive today and are proof of the eternal quality enamels possess.
Later, the Celts used enamels in the form of Champleve techniques, in which it was used to fill in recessed metal areas to decorate swords and shields. The Chinese and Japanese also applied enamel to copper vases and other hollow vessels. It was not until France, toward the end of the 15th century, did they cover the surface of metal freely, creating a new form of miniature painting known as Limoges technique.
Simon’s Enamels?
Simon’s enamels are created, most comparably, to the Limoges technique, but he has extended the method through his own experimentation. Simon works on a much larger scale and uses a method of dry application, rather than a wet application that is traditional Limoges technique.
Although enamels have a long history, there is an inventive quality to the medium that lends itself to experimentation and limitless possibilities. From his own insight and his recent discoveries, Simon brings to you original enamels that are fresh in design, application, and vision.
