Volume Number 1, Issue Number 4, January 2002
"Green Sea Turtle Necklace" cloisonné enamel on platinum; 24k gold, gray pearls, peridot	Gallen Benson jeweller enameller Enameled gold watch Andrew Kay Bronze sculptor Enamel & the Nude, 2 Image resolution & quality
Gallen Benson, a talented and meticulous designer-maker often incorporates fine cloisonné enamels in his pieces. It was fascinating to learn how he constructs the cloisonné wirework. He is modest in his introduction to his particular approach to the discipline but to the best of my knowledge his approach of fusing noble metal wires together into stable, stand-alone networks is unique. This cross-fertilisation of disciplines arising from Gallen's expertise in precious metalsmithing is an excellent example of how a traditional, "monkey-see-monkey-do" discipline can be improved upon by a fresh mind. Almost casually Gallen demonstrates that, contrary to orthodox belief not only is it possible to enamel on platinum, it's possible to do it very well ! Bronze sculptor Andrew Kay's studio and foundry in the hills not far from Perth has easy access to Western Australia's wonderful coastline. Kay says "Being so close to the beach and native forests provides me with an unending source of inspiration, with many of the animals that I encounter in the bush and on diving expeditions becoming the focal point for my sculptures." I've admired Andrew's unique work for many years and am pleased to be able to present some of it here. Features in this Issue: V1 #4 Jan 2002: Gallen Benson, cloisonné enamel jewelry V1 #4 Jan 2002: Andrew Kay, bronze sculptor, artist, designer V1 #4 Jan 2002: Enamel and the (female) Nude, part 2 - contemporary enamellers V1 #4 Jan 2002: Floral enameled gold Flornoy pocketwatch V1 #4 Jan 2002: Digital image sizing, resolution & quality Vale Marilyn Druin, goldsmith-enamelist Other stuff a) Northern California Enamel Guild's 6th Int. Enamel Exhibition b) Help Wanted: Brian Irving, pendant info. Bridget Dignan, enamel courses c) Beginning Cloisonné Workshop, Sharon Scalise, Gulf Coast Museum Of Art. d) Winter Enamel Workshops, Jaime Frechette, Tom Ellis, @ Bellevue Kentucky. e) Enamel discussion page at Merrylee Rae's website f) Greetings & Salutations g) Site Statistics, Gallery & Newsletter h) new eNAMEL forum - thanks to Catherine Crowe for setting it up for us. i) F.S.G., West Coast Chapter, 16th Annual Jewelry & Metalsmithing Workshops j) Enamel Workshop, Averill Shepps, @ Bellevue Kentucky. k) Enameling Workshop, with Harold Balazs & John Killmaster in Boise, Idaho Some of what's to come: V1 #5 Mar 2002: Hugo Osterman, composite enamels V1 #5 Mar 2002: Tiz Pozzobon, hand engraver V1 #5 Mar 2002: Valentin Yotkov, repoussage Al Heywood