Modern Art Jewelry designed and hand made in the U.S.A. by Contemporary American artists.
Free shipping to all points in the U.S.A.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Brooch
Regular price $2,000.00This handmade brooch is created using the painstaking technique of cloisonne'. The enameling is done on fine silver sheet using primarily Japanese and French enamel (granular glass). The cloisonne' wires are 24k. Firing is done in a small enameling kiln at approximately 1500 degrees F for about one minute. Five layers of enamel are then applied and fired to achieve the desired thickness. The cloisonne' piece is sanded and shaped on a lapidary wet belt sander to a smooth, uniform surface and 'flash fired' in the kiln to restore the high-gloss finish of the glass. The setting is hand-fabricated from 22k bezel wire, 18k sheet and wire, and sterling sheet. The cloisonne' piece and rhodolite garnets are then bezel-set.
2.25" x 2.5" x .25"
Made to order, ships within 6 weeks.
STATEMENT
I became intrigued with the technique of cloisonne while studying enameling in art school. Creating linear designs and images with flat wired embedded between layers of colored granular glass fascinates me. In my pursuit to learn more about this medium and wanting to perfect my skills with it, I spent many years researching and experimenting with this art form that captivated me.
I became intrigued with the technique of cloisonne while studying enameling in art school. Creating linear designs and images with flat wired embedded between layers of colored granular glass fascinates me. In my pursuit to learn more about this medium and wanting to perfect my skills with it, I spent many years researching and experimenting with this art form that captivated me.
Making jewelry was a natural step in mastering the medium. I enjoy the intimate scale and proportion of jewelry and the satisfaction of seeing objects that I've made being worn and appreciated by those who wear them.
The variety of enamel hues that is available seems daunting. I choose a limited palette so that I can master its qualities and properties. For strong contrast, I place light color next to dark, emphasizing each one's boldness and brilliance. For a complimentary effect, similar colors blend into one another, creating harmonious transition.
Inspiration for my work comes from nature: the vibrant plumage of a songbird, the delicate markings of a butterfly wing, the gentle curve of a small branch. I am also inspired by the geometric patterns and motifs of Asian and Indian textiles. Creating intricate designs from gold and silver wire is technically challenging.
BIOGRAPHY
Michael received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1989 from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He majored in Drawing and had minors in both Printmaking and Glass. Michael had a brief yet very enjoyable experience with Enameling during his studies at the Institute and continued exploring the medium after graduation. He taught himself many aspects of jewelry making in the years that followed, including stone setting and metal work in silver and gold.
White-breasted Nuthatch Brooch
Regular price $2,000.00The enameling for this hand made bird brooch is done on fine silver sheet using primarily Japenese and French enamel (granular glass). The cloisonne' wires are 24k. Firing is done in a small enameling kiln at approximately 1500 degrees F for about one minute. Five layers of enamel are applied and fired to achieve the desired thickness. The cloisonne' piece is sanded and shaped on a lapidary wet belt sander to a smooth, uniform surface and 'flash fired' in the kiln to restore the high-gloss finish of the glass. The setting is hand-fabricated from 22k bezel wire, 18k wire, sterling and 18k sheet. The cloisonne' piece and blue topaz are then bezel-set. Made to order, there will be slight variations from the piece shown.
2.25" x 3" x .25"
Made to order, ships within 8 weeks.
STATEMENT
I became intrigued with the technique of cloisonne while studying enameling in art school. Creating linear designs and images with flat wired embedded between layers of colored granular glass fascinates me. In my pursuit to learn more about this medium and wanting to perfect my skills with it, I spent many years researching and experimenting with this art form that captivated me.
I became intrigued with the technique of cloisonne while studying enameling in art school. Creating linear designs and images with flat wired embedded between layers of colored granular glass fascinates me. In my pursuit to learn more about this medium and wanting to perfect my skills with it, I spent many years researching and experimenting with this art form that captivated me.
Making jewelry was a natural step in mastering the medium. I enjoy the intimate scale and proportion of jewelry and the satisfaction of seeing objects that I've made being worn and appreciated by those who wear them.
The variety of enamel hues that is available seems daunting. I choose a limited palette so that I can master its qualities and properties. For strong contrast, I place light color next to dark, emphasizing each one's boldness and brilliance. For a complimentary effect, similar colors blend into one another, creating harmonious transition.
Inspiration for my work comes from nature: the vibrant plumage of a songbird, the delicate markings of a butterfly wing, the gentle curve of a small branch. I am also inspired by the geometric patterns and motifs of Asian and Indian textiles. Creating intricate designs from gold and silver wire is technically challenging.
BIOGRAPHY
Michael received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1989 from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He majored in Drawing and had minors in both Printmaking and Glass. Michael had a brief yet very enjoyable experience with Enameling during his studies at the Institute and continued exploring the medium after graduation. He taught himself many aspects of jewelry making in the years that followed, including stone setting and metal work in silver and gold.
Eastern Bluebird Brooch
Regular price $2,100.00This charming eastern bluebird sits atop branches adorned with ruby flowers. Flower petals are 18K gold. Shades of blue and cranberry enamel create the bird's intricate feather design. The setting is hand-fabricated from 22k bezel wire, 18k wire, sterling and 18k sheet. The cloisonne' piece and rubies are then bezel-set. Made to order.
2.25" x 3" x .25"
Made to orders, ships within 8 weeks.
STATEMENT
I became intrigued with the technique of cloisonne while studying enameling in art school. Creating linear designs and images with flat wired embedded between layers of colored granular glass fascinates me. In my pursuit to learn more about this medium and wanting to perfect my skills with it, I spent many years researching and experimenting with this art form that captivated me.
I became intrigued with the technique of cloisonne while studying enameling in art school. Creating linear designs and images with flat wired embedded between layers of colored granular glass fascinates me. In my pursuit to learn more about this medium and wanting to perfect my skills with it, I spent many years researching and experimenting with this art form that captivated me.
Making jewelry was a natural step in mastering the medium. I enjoy the intimate scale and proportion of jewelry and the satisfaction of seeing objects that I've made being worn and appreciated by those who wear them.
The variety of enamel hues that is available seems daunting. I choose a limited palette so that I can master its qualities and properties. For strong contrast, I place light color next to dark, emphasizing each one's boldness and brilliance. For a complimentary effect, similar colors blend into one another, creating harmonious transition.
Inspiration for my work comes from nature: the vibrant plumage of a songbird, the delicate markings of a butterfly wing, the gentle curve of a small branch. I am also inspired by the geometric patterns and motifs of Asian and Indian textiles. Creating intricate designs from gold and silver wire is technically challenging.
BIOGRAPHY
Michael received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in 1989 from the Cleveland Institute of Art. He majored in Drawing and had minors in both Printmaking and Glass. Michael had a brief yet very enjoyable experience with Enameling during his studies at the Institute and continued exploring the medium after graduation. He taught himself many aspects of jewelry making in the years that followed, including stone setting and metal work in silver and gold.
