Magda Sá

“Hidden Labyrinth”

My journey in enamelling has been all but linear: it’s all been a struggle, from getting to the materials (I live in an enamel-deprived country…) to the learning resources and the tools. And there was a “before” and an “after” meeting Sandra McEwen! I just learned so much I sometimes still can’t believe it.

So I decided to put myself to the test, thinking no challenge (enamelling or just jewelry technique) was too great. But it was: I built an incredibly complex concept in my head and couldn’t draw it out. Then I moved on to a less demanding concept, but still incredibly elaborate piece in my head and it just became too much to handle in terms of construction. For every problem I solved in my mind, there was something else that didn’t quite fit. I was in for disappointment or nothing at all, if I kept going down that path.

So I had to pick my challenges: I chose to make a big pendant, fused at the front, soldered at the back, enamelled on both sides. It was a success, but not 100%, so I gave up on making both parts with transparent enamels. I did get beautiful reds and pinks, and that alone was worth it. I also count the cloissone wire work among my achievements: I even signed and dated the pendant! And an elegant construction of the piece: I love the frame on the back. It’s beautiful on its own and makes it possible to wear the pendant in several positions.

The literal “Hidden Labirynth” is the maze on the back of the pendant (that I was going to hide in filigree, but dropped the idea, as it was becoming too much). But it became the thought process, the path to even greater artistic and technical achievements. In any case, the maze works, you can try it.

So, where to now? Break down the problems I solved and those that I didn’t. Practise, try new approaches, solve problems. And get ready for new challenges. When is the next EnamelArtJam?

You can find my work on my facebook and instagram. And on my website, as soon as I make one, later this year (that’s another challenge that I imposed on myself, and intend to achieve).              

Photo credits: LD360º, Pedro Lages, https://ld360.pt                                         

https://www.instagram.com/magda__sa/
https://www.facebook.com/Jewelry-Workshops-in-Portugal-688324074691045