A memorable week of learning and connection.
This year, I had the incredible honor of being invited to speak and lead workshops at Alchemy7, The Enamelist Society (TES) Conference (https://www.enamelistsociety.org/conference) in Little Rock, Arkansas (July 24th-31st, 2024). The conference itself took place over the weekend, but the real magic happened during the pre-conference and post-conference workshops (July 21st-23rd and July 28th-30th).
As a longtime cloisonné artist who admittedly tends to work in isolation, attending the TES conference was an eye-opening experience. While I initially felt a bit out of touch with the changing landscape of enameling arts, the passion, skill, and innovative spirit of the enameling community quickly reignited my inspiration.
Learning from the Masters and Pushing Boundaries
The keynote address by renowned enamellist and goldsmith David Freda, famous for his captivating Orchid castings, was truly inspiring. Throughout the week, I had the privilege of catching up with old friends and making many new connections. These fellow artisans are pushing the boundaries of enameling, experimenting with exciting techniques and materials.
A Heartened Traditionalist
As an older craftsman, I sometimes worry about the future of our beloved art form. Will the traditional skills and techniques we cherish fade away? Attending workshops like those offered at the TES conference filled me with a sense of optimism. The dedication and creativity I witnessed assure me that enameling is not a dying art, but a thriving one.
Let’s Connect
I'd love to hear from you and share more about my experiences with cloisonné. Reach out on social media to explore my latest creations.
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