In 1963, my life on this earth began. 10 years ago, I was lead to a different type of earth: clay. The source of inexhaustible and sensual inspiration, that lends itself to be caressed and shaped.
Beginning with pottery class, I started with basic modelling, and then with a few small pieces of clay and a little enamel; my first pieces of jewellery came to life.
These triggered the desire to play with colours; to search endlessly for attractive matches, and let the magic of enamel surprise me… Then, encouraged by those around me, I decided to go further…
The creation of these enamelled clay jewels is a constant pleasure for me.
I create them one by one, step by step, giving full reign to my imagination; they are all unique and different.
And then comes the moment when the piece I have created and the one who will wear it come face to face.
Different steps of the making of my jewellery :
- The pieces are firstly modelled in differently coloured smooth clays : white, red, beige, brown or black.
- They are dried at room temperature.
- The pieces are baked initially at 1100°C in a kiln. It is necessary to wait around 10 hours for the temperature to rise, and almost as much for the oven to cool down before it can be opened.
- The enamelling is then done by paintbrush. It is a delicate step that requires a lot of precision - given the size of the pieces - as well as a lot of imagination since the enamel’s colour is different before it is baked. I have around 60 different enamels at my disposal : glossy or mat finish, transparent or opaque metal... I use powdered enamels that I mix to give a liquid consistency. The enamel contains silica, amongst other things. This is a component of glass and gives the clay the glassy and hard aspect after being baked. The pigments give the colour.
- The pieces are baked a second time between 960°C and 1080°C, depending on the enamel.
I have to wait a further 20 hours before I take the pieces out of the kiln. I particularly enjoy this moment for it always reveals some surprises : the enamels have different results depending on the width, the unexpected mixes, the small differences in the baking temperature, their position in the kiln, and the colour of the clay.
- Some pieces I then polish and decorate with gold or collages.
- The last step is the mounting: necklace, bracelet, ring, earring, brooche, or hairpin.