United States
Paula Beckett
“Defiant Solitude”
I have been teaching metal clay for about 15 years which is why I decided to make my entry out of metal clay using Champleve’ and Coisonné’ enameling techniques. Both techniques worked just fine on metal clay. The cloisanne wire is thicker than I usually use because I didn't want the wire to get lost in the texture of the mask. The piece is a mask made to look like a jail cell. The flower is reaching up to the window to get fresh air and sunshine. Without fresh air and sun the flower can't survive.
My biggest challenge was to account for the shrinkage of the metal clay. With a copy machine that reduces and enlarges the piece worked out easily. To be sure the enamel doesn't seep under the top and bottom layers of the metal clay, the seam has to be sealed very well. The piece is a pendant. I am undecided as to what chain I want to use. I might convert it into a brooch. The texture was meant to mimic cloth. I'm not sure I would texture Champleve' again because the smooth reflective surface of the metal adds so much beauty to a Champleve’ piece.
