Anne Johnson
Originally from Colorado Springs, I have lived in Oregon since 2008. I have been creating handmade vitreous enameled art since 2015. In addition to being a member of the Portland Creative Metal Arts Guild (CMAG), I serve on the board as CMAG Secretary.
My background is in technology, but I have always had a passion for the arts and have an obsession with enameled art. As a mom of two active children, I spent years as a volunteer teaching Art Literacy in the elementary schools and have enjoyed sharing different art mediums and techniques with the students!
My aspiration is to create beautiful jewelry and creative wall art. I absolutely love the vibrant colors of vitreous enamel fused to metal, and enjoy how transparent enamels let the beautiful metal shine through!
In my art, fine silver or gold foils, millefiori (flower dots), and texture are used to create visual interest. I often incorporate the fold forming technique of metalsmithing to create impressions of what we see in nature, the curve of seashell or the petals and leaves of a flower. It is amazing that heat and pressure allow me to transform a flat piece of metal into a ruffled edge or curvy moon pendant.
Using a kiln or torch to fire the pieces allows for a variety of effects. Powdered enamel glass is adhered to the metal and fired to about 1450 degrees! As the layers of enamel are added and fired, slight variations occur, each piece is unique!
