Silver, enamel combine in jewelry
Nicolette Absil, 25, creates hand-painted enamel jewelry set in sterling silver.
Maker
Nicolette Absil, 25, creates hand-painted enamel jewelry set in sterling silver.
Her start
Absil, whose studio is in South Kensington, learned the ancient art of enameling while a student at Rowan University. Later, she put her own twist on it by adding intricate hand-drawn botanical images, made in graphite or paint and accented with gold or silver foil.
Process
She starts by sketching from life, then draws the image onto a piece of powdered glass she has fused to a copper form. Then that drawing is coated with enamel and returned to a 1,450-degree kiln, sometimes several times, to add layers of texture. Then Absil fabricates the silver setting for each piece.
Design influence
"I find inspiration in [Japanese] Edo-period woodblock prints," Absil said. "I am drawn to the strong, graphic quality and the use of pattern. But most of my inspiration comes directly from nature, its power and beauty."
Find it
Absil's work is on display at Art Star in Northern Liberties and Gravers Lane Gallery in Chestnut Hill. She'll also exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show in the fall.
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