Enameling on Metal

Book excerpt: (back cover) The ancient art of creating fired enamel on metal objects is enjoying renewed interest in today's arts and crafts world. This book explains the basic techniques clearly and precisely, combining text and illustrations to demonstrate several different metalworking processes. Following a brief, enlightening history of the art, the authors discuss the nature and characteristics of glass-based pigments, which are the special types of enamel required for application to metal. Subsequent chapters introduce readers to the materials and tools required for enameling on metal, the preparation processes, and the various working techniques that produce finished objects. The book's final section presents step-by-step instructions for crafting several different enameled metal art objects--all of which are the original creations of experienced metalwork artists. (front flap) Enameling on Metal The Art and Craft of Enameling on Metal Explained Clearly and Precisely Núria López-Ribalta and Eva Pascual i Miró Enameling on metal is an ancient and revered art form, and this book presents detailed instruction that is suitable for self-teaching as well as for use in formal arts and crafts classes. An opening chapter discusses and illustrates examples of enameled art objects created by medieval, renaissance, and modern artists. Chapters that follow describe tools and materials and present detailed instruction in mastering the various techniques required to produce finished work. Students are introduced to several different enameling methods, such as cloisonné and basse taille. A final section presents step-by-step instructions for a series of projects that students can carry out to produce several different enameled metal objects, which include jewelry, wall hangings, decorative boxes, vases, urns, and sculptures. (back flap) Núria López-Ribalta has her own enameling studio and regularly exhibits her drawings, paintings, and enamel work in international exhibitions. She has received numerous international awards for her enamel work, including the Diploma of the Municipality at the International Biennale in Vilnius, Lithuania and the Prize for Integration of Material in the Cloisonné Jewelry Contest in Japan. She also teaches and writes extensively on the subject of enameling on metal. Eva Pascual i Miró is an expert in antiques, and specializes in Catalan furniture and Catalan and medieval decorative arts. She has written extensively on these subjects, and has documented artworks and coordinated exhibitions at several museums and cultural institutions in Catalonia.