Working on larger, 3D shapes in enamel gives new opportunities and challenges. I decided to enamel some copper bowls, just a couple, on one of the hottest days of the year. With the large kiln set at 840* C and the blinds down I got my notebook ready to record the process, colours, firing temperatures and timings. Its important to be organised!
A few hours later I had fired four bowls, multiple times, in different colour combinations to my original plans. Every surface of my workshop was covered in enamel powders, sifters and it looked like chaos! I usually pride myself in working in a controlled, methodical way. Not that day!
My notebook had one sentence written at the top of the page. My colours were mixed up and would have to be replaced - not wasted though as I can use them to “counter enamel” future pieces.
Creative flow? Inspiration? Who knows, but I had fun and was quite pleased with the results.
They were with me at Art in The Park in Leamington Spa last weekend. They attracted lots of attention. I sold three, which has encouraged me to make more.
I might choose a cooler day next time!
Blue bowls, forth firing. The old flat iron stops the bowl warping.
Finished green bowls.