My craft lends a lot of assistance in managing stress during times of great change and uncertainty. I often revert back to processes that relax my brain and require simple focus. For me, drawing fulfills this requirement. Normally with ink and watercolour paint, I cover heavy paper with abstract pattern, sometimes inspired by experience, sometimes just letting the paint and paper determine the outcome. In this case, I use these same techniques, but on copper with enamel and underglaze pigments.
The result is completely random, but ironically they resemble maps or overhead images of nature, another part of my life that offers great solace.
Each brooch is completely handmade from copper, soldered together with silver solder, coated in liquid enamel, thereby offering a natural and variable surface. I use special watercolour paints (and rely on the beautiful shade of aqua that is a result of over-firing white enamel) to add colour and then complete the line work with underglaze pigments. Each stage is individually fired in the kiln and takes hours to complete. The brooches are fitted with steel pins to firmly attach it to your favourite sweater or jacket. The process and patience changes something in my brain and at the end of it all, I feel like a better human.
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height):
7cm x 8cm x 1cm
Weight of brooch (grams):
66 grams