The Future of the NCEG, Part II
By Anna Tai
In the last newsletter, I sent a plea to our members to let us know what they would like to see from the NCEG and asked them to volunteer to help us provide these services. Unfortunately, I only received one response. We have tried to give away scholarships for conference attendance and workshop spaces for the Enamelist Society Conference, but no one requested to be considered. This, along with the lack of response to our surveys, suggests a general lack of interest on the part of the membership. We have not had a real election in 3 years and the current officers need a break. If we don’t get an infusion of serious volunteers, we will be forced to shut down the guild at the end of 2012 following our exhibition.
Because we have so few people to work on the newsletter, this will be the last one for this year. I am editing, formatting and writing for the newsletter right now as well as being president. Judy Stone, as a guild representative at the Enamelist Society conference, was able to connect with new members, Delia DeLapp and Jennifer Friedman. Despite living outside the Bay area, they have offered to help with the newsletter. We are getting some newsletter help but not enough. Our newsletter is actually scheduled to come out 8 times a year, more than any other enamelist organization in the U. S. Because this publication schedule is not only a benefit to our own membership but to all enamelists wanting timely information, the demise of the newsletter as well as the organization as whole would be a tremendous loss to the enameling community.
If you would like the NCEG to continue to plan activities, have biennial exhibitions, and publish a newsletter 8 times a year, please volunteer to help out in one of the following ways:
1. Writing and editing for the newsletter
2. Social network management – setting up NCEG Facebook, twitter, linked in, and crafthaus pages and maintaining those pages.
3. Website maintenance (ideally we would like to create a new website design and are looking for someone to manage that task)
4. Soliciting ads for the newsletter
5. Writing the Classes/Workshops column for the newsletter.
6. Helping set-up and take down next year’s juried exhibition
7. Planning programs – we could use a committee to work on this.
Please don’t let this organization that has been active since 1974 disappear.
Contact Anna Tai at anna@annataienamels.com with comments and suggestions.
It is that time again. We need your membership dues for 2012. You can pay online using PayPal at http://enamelguild.org/NCEG/membershipJoin.php. Or you can print out the online membership form and send it in with your check. The deadline for yearly dues is Jan. 31st which ensures you will not miss a newsletter.
Florence Resnikoff is being honored in yet another exhibition. This one is part of the Metal Arts Guild 60th anniversary celebration. The show, called Remembering MAG, an invitational exhibition in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Metal Arts Guild, was Oct. 20 to Nov. 13 at Lireille Gallery (http://metalartsguildsf.org/remembering-mag-exhibition/).
Sculpture by Delia DeLapp |
June Schwarcz’ work is now on display in an exhibition at The Craft and Folk Art Museum in Los Angeles. The exhibition, The Alchemy of June Schwarcz: Enamel Vessels from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection, is from September 25, 2011 to January 8, 2012. The exhibition originated at the Fresno Art Museum and the MIngei International Museum in San Diego. The exhibition is also being held in conjunction with a broader exhibition entitled Golden State Craft: California 1960 – 1985. This exhibition is partnered with Craft in America (http://www.cafam.org/current.html).
Delia DeLapp just completed an 11 foot enameled sculpture in conjunction with American Revolution Vodka. which is a chandelier for China Blue Night Club in Boise, ID.
Daria Salus will be showing work at the KPFA Fair Dec. 10-11 (http://www.kpfa.org/craftsfair/).
Sandie Bradshaw is showing her enamel plaques and jewelry in the show "Voyages" at the Davenport Gallery 450 Hwy 1, Davenport from Nov. 2-27. (http://davenportgallery.org/ )
The 11th Biennial Juried International Enamel Exhibition will take place Sept. 15 – Nov. 9, 2012 in the South Gallery at the Richmond Art Center. We are in talks with Richmond to sponsor a 1-day conference and 1 or 2 workshops in conjunction with the exhibition. The prospectus and call for entries will go out in January.
NCEG Representation at the Enamelist Society Conference
By Judy Stone
I went to The Enamelist Society conference at Arrowmont this past September as a representative of the Northern California Enamel Guild. As the NCEG rep, I wanted to connect with other guild people to see what they were doing and to attend the guild meeting that the Society sponsored for guild representatives. I was very fortunate to be able to talk to several leaders from various guilds about how they dealt with online newsletters vs. print newsletters, a membership that is very widespread geographically, as well as meetings and guild programs specific to their needs. Everyone was extremely helpful and the information that came back with me may help the NCEG get out of our current doldrums [see Anna Tai’s letter].
Steve Artz swapping pins |
Scout Handford in the vendor’s room |
The one disappointment that I had as guild rep was that the Connections Room, a space set aside for guilds and organizations to put out information about their activities, was not only poorly promoted and organized, but that it was also poorly attended. When I set up our guild table, the NCEG was only 1 of 3 organizations represented in the room. Toward the end of the conference a few other organizations had laid out brochures, membership forms, newsletters, and flyers. Most conference attendees did not know about the room and therefore, did not know about our guild.
The guild meeting sponsored by the Society was also poorly attended. It, too, was not promoted and only 3 U. S. guilds were represented. The meeting itself, however, was very positive. It seems that The Society is contemplating sponsoring workshops throughout the US during off-conference years and guilds will play an important role in how those workshops materialize. The concept is still being tweaked but should take more form next year. The NCEG, because of its ties to several educational institutions in Northern California which offer enamel classes and workshops, will figure into the Society’s future plans for these workshops.
I want to thank Linda Lingren for also being on hand to represent the NCEG.
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Exhibitions in California
San Diego’s Craft Revolution: From Post-War Modern to California Design
October 16, 2011 to April 12, 2012
Collection Source: Mingei International Museum, Plaza and Theater Galleries
This local exhibition will reveal the important contribution of San Diego craftsmen to the post-war Southern California art scene. The progression from sleek modernism to unconventional handmade objects of use such as furniture, doors, jewelry and ceramics will be explored. Many of these San Diego-based artists received national attention and participated in major Los Angeles exhibitions, including the California Design series held in Pasadena and Los Angeles. This exhibition will feature over 60 artists including Toza and Ruth Radakovich, Rhoda Lopez, Jack Hopkins, Arline Fisch, Ellamarie and Jackson Woolley, Larry Hunter, Kay Whitcomb and James Hubbell.
Mingei International Museum
1439 El Prado
San Diego CA 92101
HOURS
Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays and national holidays
School and group tours by appointment
ADMISSION
$8.00 - Adults
$5.00 - Seniors, youth (6-17), students with ID and military with ID
$5.00 - Group Tour Rates (10 or more)
Free - Members and children under 6
Craft in America and the Craft and Folk Art Museum celebrate the vibrant California Craft Movement with two exhibitions opening on September 25 as part of the Getty initiative, Pacific Standard Time.
Golden State of Craft: California 1960 - 1985.
September 25, 2011 - January 8, 2012
Craft and Folk Art Museum
5814 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
“Surveys an extraordinary, innovative artistic period that blossomed in post-World War II California. Promoted in large part by two central figures-Edith Wyle, founder of the Los Angeles Craft and Folk Art Museum and Eudorah M. Moore, director of the Pasadena Art Museum’s California Design exhibition series-an inspired group of artists made significant contributions to the American Craft Movement, the art world at large, and influenced modern American taste overall.“
Of special interest for enamelists is the second exhibition:
Left to right: California Loop Series #4, Marvin Lipofsky, 1970, Photo: M. Lee Fatheree;Untitled, Ruth Asawa, mid-1960s, Courtesy of Forest L. Merrill; Front and Back Pectoral, Arline Fisch, 1971, Photo: William Gulle
Craft and Folk Art Museum (CAFAM)
The Alchemy of June Schwarcz: Enamel Vessels from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection is a career-spanning exhibition of expressionist sculptural metalworks by legendary enamelist June Schwarcz.
#827, spun copper with electro-formed cloisonné enamel,
June Schwarcz, 1981. Photo: M. Lee Fatherree
$10 | CAFAM Members FREE
5814 Wilshire Boulevard (at Curson)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.937.4230
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Admission:
Members: FREE
General: $7
Students and Seniors: $5
Children under 10: FREE
First Wednesday of every month FREE
Paragon SC2 Kiln Sweepstakes
Paragon has generously donated a pink kiln (SC2) to be given away in a sweepstakes underway through Aftosa. Aftosa is a ceramic supply site. The sweepstakes will raise breast cancer awareness. http://www.aftosa.com/
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Attention! As a NCEG member, The Crucible is offering you a member discount on any class, (this equals 10% off of tuition) that you sign up for. If you are already or become a Crucible member, you receive an additional 5% off of tuition for a 15% saving. Note: cost in catalog is tuition plus materials. To take advantage of this offer, you must call 510-444-0919 to register and mention that you are a member of the Northern California Enamel Guild. |
Introduction to Enameling I (Weekend Intensive)
March 3-4 (weekend intensive), 10 am- 4:30 pm
Instructor: Judy Stone
Sign up for this class at the same time as more advanced course in Enameling and receive a $40 discount on the more advanced class.
Introduction to Enameling 1 weeknights – 5 weeks
Thursdays, 7-10pm Feb. 2 – March 1
Tuesdays, 7–10pm, Mar 6-Apr 3
Instructor: Katy Joksch
$275.00 (Tuition: $235.00, Studio Fee: $40.00), Members: $251.50
Introduction to Enameling 2 – 5 weeks
Wednesdays, March 7 – April 4, 7 – 10pm
Instructor: Judy Stone
Cost: $265.00 (Tuition: $220.00, Studio Fee: $45.00), Members: $243.00
Introduction to Enameling 1 weeklong
Monday – Friday, April 2 – 6, 9 -12 pm
Instructor: Judy Stone
Cost: $355.00 (Tuition: $265.00, Studio Fee: $90.00), Members: $328.50
Grisaille: Enameling Technique-1 ENL5212-A
March 17-18m 10am-5pm
Instructor: Olga Barmina
In this class we will cover traditional grisaille enameling as well as a few experimental approaches to grisaille. Grisaille ("grey") is the application of white enamel to a black enamel background. After many applications and firings the white sinks into the black to create halftones and shading. This technique is often associated with medieval French enameling. In 2 days we will learn to apply black enamel to a copper piece to create a smooth background. Then we will use finely-ground white enamel mixed with water, oil of lavender or turpentine to paint over the dark background. Light areas of the design will have more white enamel layers than gray areas creating an impression of low relief. We will experiment with the application of silver foil and few touches of gold to enhance the pieces. Later in the class students will have time to explore sgraffito-style grisaille and other experimental approaches. Previous experience required. Prerequisite: Introduction to Enameling I & 2 or permission of instructor.
Cost: $305.00 (Tuition: $250.00, Studio Fee: $55.00), Members: $280.00
Small Scale Cloisonné Enameling Intensive - 3ENL2212-A
Saturday & Sunday 10-5pm March 24-25
Instructor: Roberta Smith
Cost: $290.00 (Tuition: $420.00, Studio Fee: 505.00), Members: $266.00
Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts
April 7-8, 2012 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Instructor: Deborah Lozier
$399 + $125 kit
Saturday 3-6pm
May 26-28, 2012, Saturday–Monday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm
Instructor: Deborah Lozier
Current Mendocino County MAC Members: $250 Current MAC Members: $265 Non-members: $295 plus a non-refundable $25 non-member registration fee
Enamel pendants for the family ages 10 -adult
1 day 5:30pm-7: 30pm two opportunities Monday 12/19/2011 or Wednesday 12/21/2011
Instructor: Olivia Competente
Class fee $30
Cloisonné
2-day workshop 1/14/2012 and 1/15/2012
Instructor: Roberta Smith
Materials fee $45
Class Fee $118
Enameling the Basics
5 weeks 2/25/2012-3/24/2012
Instructor: Olivia Competente
Class fee $80/$90
Materials fee $28/$38
Enameling Advanced
5 weeks 2/25/2012-3/24/2012
Instructor: Olivia Competente
Class fee $80/$90
Materials Fee $50 to O. Competente
Enameling on PMC
2 Sundays 3/4/2012-3/11/2012
Instructor: Olivia Competente
Materials fee $65
Class fee: $98
Enamel Exhibitions
Deadline to receive actual work: January 10, 2012
The 25th International Cloisonné Jewelry Contest
The Japan Shippo Conference Juried Exhibition at Ueno Royal Museum
Open to all types of enameled jewelry, not just cloisonné.
Opening Reception March 6, 2012
Contact Judy Stone (judy@jstoneenamels.com) for prospectus and entry form.
Metal and General Exhibitions
Deadline November 30, 2011
Differences Unite Us – Online Jewelry Exhibition
Sponsored by The Ganoksin Project, the Internet's oldest and largest jewelry website. Artists are free to interpret the theme in any way they choose. There is no limit on materials.
To participate please use the online form to submit your work at http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/duu.
Deadline: December 15, 2011
MJSA Vision Awards Competition 2012
Every year, the MJSA Vision Awards celebrate outstanding talent in the field of jewelry design. The winning designers represent the future of the jewelry manufacturing industry, and the Vision Awards competition showcases their creativity and boosts their careers.
Prospectus and entry information is available on the MJSA website
Deadline: January 6, 2012
Crafts National
May 5-August 19, 2012, Mulvane Art Museum in Topeka, Kansas
A juried exhibition of work by artists through their exploration in clay, fiber/textiles, glass, metal, wood, jewelry, basketry, handmade paper and mixed media. All work must be original, completely finished and ready to install.
Contact:
Application available at http://www.washburn.edu/main/mulvane/exhibitions/exhibitions-folder/crafts_national_2011.html or directly through www.callforentry.org
Coming Home
by Delia DeLapp
Driving through the festival atmosphere of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, you would never suspect the hidden treasure of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. It feels like you are entering a secluded oasis for artists, hidden in the forest. This was my first experience of boarding at a school designated to the sole purpose of arts education, while at the same time, attending an enamel conference. I immediately felt I had come home.
I have been a self-taught enamelist for the last seven years, with knowledge and experience derived from reading books and practicing trial and error. I knew that being a participant of the workshops and conference would be an experience of a lifetime and I had no idea of what to expect. Instead of a competitive environment, it was one of collaboration. The atmosphere was one of vibrant conversation, unbridled enthusiasm, and rich personal connections. I made friendships that will last a lifetime. The Enamel Gallery was a show of exceptional craftsmanship and creativity. The work was so inspirational that I had to revisit the gallery several times just to “be” with it.
I am fortunate to have been able to attend two workshops during the conference. I want to focus on "Image Transfer for the Reluctant Markmaker" taught by Jan Harrell, Professor at Glassell School of Art in Houston, Texas. We immediately discovered that we had a shared connection with our love of large-scale art. I am always in search of what I call “down 'n dirty - fast 'n easy” ways to create imagery in enamel, but I could never work out the bugs. I have tried decals and photo emulsion silk-screening without success. With humor and vitality, Jan showed us some incredible tricks that I have since used in my work.
To create decals and printthe images for silk-screens, she recommends purchasing an older black and white laser printer. She has an HP 1200, which I found on EBay for $70, including shipping. The older laser printers have iron oxide in the toner cartridges that becomes permanently fused to the glaze surface, leaving a sepia-toned image. The detail and clarity are truly unbelievable. Patty Scott, one of Jan's students, utilized this technique beautifully in her Juror’s Choice award-winning pieces. The clear decal sheets can be purchased from http://www.beldecal.com. The key to using them is to remove the protective onionskin before running them through the printer. Definitely let them dry for at least five minutes before using them, too. Cut as close as possible around your image as you can; soak it in water for about 30 seconds, and then peel it and place it on your pre-enameled surface like a fake tattoo. It is very important to get all the air bubbles out by pressing the surface with a soft paper towel and then allowing the decal to dry slowly on top of a very low heat-warming tray. Fire around 1300-1350 degrees for approximately 2 minutes, and instantly, you have an amazing image to work with.
The other wonderful technique is silk-screening, which gives you more color options than decals. Jan suggested four options for creating your screens. You can purchase a Gocco/Riso machine from EBay, but they have been discontinued and materials for them may soon be eliminated from the supplier, http://www.diyprintsupply.com. I purchased an old thermo fax from EBay, but it is a more expensive option and may give me mechanical headaches later. The 70 mesh screens can be purchased from DIY Print Supply for the thermo fax, as well. Michaels Craft Store sells a large one named YUDU, which we tested in class and easily produced very large screens. The last option would be to go to your local tee-shirt printing company and have them make your screens or ask them for their old unused ones. Any of these options is far easier and faster than exposing your image by using light and photo-emulsion.
To produce my images, I simply sift the enamel powders directly onto the screen and then take a credit card and run it over the screen to push the powders through it. Jan likes mixing oxides and frit, painting enamels, etc. with Golden brand “open acrylic gel" medium until the mixture looks like frosting. She then screens it through onto a pre-enameled surface or onto decal sheets so that she can use the image or patterns later. I thought that was a brilliant trick.
Step 1 |
Step 2 |
Step 3 |
Step 4 |
These two techniques were only a few gems I came away with during her workshop and the conference. I was enveloped in all that is the enamel culture, from learning electroforming to chasing techniques, to using cat hair to create texture, to using firescale, to witnessing the creation of beautiful pliqué a jour with a torch, to painting rich layers of transparent color in cloisonné, to seeing an industrial kiln in action, and to witnessing an exciting bidding war over masterpieces of enamel. It was the most incredible experience. I was mentally exhausted and at the same time, completely invigorated from all that I had learned and experienced. I cannot wait for the next conference so that I may come home again!
CRAFTED AT THE PORT OF LOS ANGELES is a large-scale permanent craft marketplace opening Summer 2012. This is a permanent craft venue that operates 52 weeks a year on the Los Angeles waterfront and will eventually house 500 artisans of handmade goods. Market stalls will be available in 10’x10’ increments at a cost of about $500 per month. Apply early here: http://www.craftedportla.com/APPLICATION.php
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Japanese Flux for Sale
Over 1 kilogram of N-1 Ninomiya flux for sale. This flux has had all the particles smaller than 150 mesh sifted out so it is coarse. Good for cloisonné. Will sell in 4 oz. quantities for $10/4 oz. plus shipping. Contact Judy Stone 510-526-3668 or e-mail judy@jstoneenamels.com.