Marie Maretska

Process

Planished and formed metal fused with glass (vitreous enamel). Small wells in the copper, created by blows from a hammer, hold pools of colored glass. The interplay of glass and polished copper creates an intense light refraction resembling water in sunlight.

The process of applying layers of colored glass and firing is repeated 4 or 5 times for each piece.

Artist Statement

I took a sabbatical to explore art in whatever medium that I wanted. Very shortly I became fascinated with fusing glass to copper (vitreous enameling). This led to studying with four master enamelists. I then struck out on my own to discover how to enamel in a format on copper that is larger than historically done. Because this is an unusual art form it was necessary to design many of my hand tools.

I am very grateful to have received two grants, one from The William T. Colville Foundation and one from a private donor, that helped immensely in purchasing a kiln and grinder.