GeorgiaPhilippeEnamels

Awards:

2008 Illinois Orchid Society 

First Place in Jewelry/Metal Arts

1993, 1994, 1995

Illinois Jewelers Association awards

Member GLEG Great Lakes Enameling Guild

Member Enamelist Society

Artist's Statement

My artistic focus is bold and intense.  While the forms must be graceful and elegant, what I like best about enameling is the COLOR.  I use Japanese enamels because their hues have the greatest purity.  Even when I work in pastel shades, the color must seduce the viewer.  In addition, in enameling you can contrast opaque next to transparent, flatness against depth.  You can texture the metal base.  By adding silver or gold foil, pallions or shot, you can create a complex and compelling design in under one inch.  How could that NOT be fascinating?

Who I Am

I knew I wanted to be a jeweler from a young age.  I earned my BFA from the University of Illinois in Metal Crafts.  I've worked in the jewelry industry professionally all my life, as a bench jeweler and jewelry designer.  I taught jewelry making at Harper College for two semesters.  I started enameling a number of years ago, and I've pursued it with passion every since.