My teaching schedule for 2009
I do offer small classes, limited to 4 people, in my studio. More information.
Cloisonne Workshop with returning students September 14 and 15, 2009. This class will focus on precious metal setting techniques for your cloisonne creations. 1 opening
Granulation Workshop with Kent Raible!
What a wonderful (and rare) opportunity for you to learn granulation from the master of this intricate technique! This will be a five day workshop hosted in my studio here on Monterey Bay, California. 9am-5pm October 22, 23, 26, 27 and 28th and limited to 6 students! We currently have only two openings. On October 24 and 25 Kent will head down to Ojai to a celebration featuring his work at Primavera Gallery. If you are coming from out of town, this will give you an opportunity to do some sightseeing in this beautiful local or spend a couple of days working on your project in preparation for the last three days of the class. Cost per student will be $650. You may email me for further information.
Kent Raible is a German-trained master goldsmith specializing in 18k gold granulation. He has gained international prominence for his elaborate jewelry and objects, which are included in major collections, such as the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.
Link to Kent Raible's Website
I will be teaching a Cloisonne Workshop November 14-15 in Santa Barbara, Ca. Sorry, Class is full.
All prices on my work are based on a $400 gold price. As of August 2009, gold is up to $945 per ounce. When the dust settles, I will update my web site. Meanwhile, you may email me for price quotes. Thank you for your understanding!
It is with great pleasure that I begin my adventures on the internet.
Over the past year, it has become quite obvious to me that the world is changing in dramatic ways because of the invention of the Internet. The manner in which people communicate, learn, work, shop and play has experienced an unprecedented growth as a result of this awesome tool. Our lives are being altered and it is up to each of us to insure that the change is a positive one. As I embark on this effort to establish my presence on the Web, I see it as an opportunity to accomplish life long goals and realize the dreams that previously seemed out of reach.
Those dreams include:
Sharing my technical information with others that have struggled alone to master the elusive and beautiful cloisonné creation.
Sharing my current work and the locations of the galleries that have enthusiastically supported my 25 year love affair with my cloisonné jewelry.
Sharing my "On the Drawing Board" works in progress with my valued collectors.
And above all, sharing the inspiration that guides me.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Internet Tool, is the ability to communicate one on one with people all over the world. I would be delighted to hear from you! Please feel free to offer your suggestions. (remember, my expertise is cloisonné enamel and your web design help will be gratefully welcomed!) I would also be happy to answer technical questions as time permits. Maybe together we can create a location for enamelists to share their information with others. Wow! Just think of the possibilities...
and so I begin...
About Merry-Lee Rae
While Merry-Lee made cloisonné jewelry for fun and relaxation, her plan was to become a mathematician. Quite unexpectedly, her fascination with the enameling process turned her hobby into a profession. Since 1976, she has been creating timeless heirlooms that will endure for centuries.
She is a designer, a craftsman and an artist. She is also guilty of thoroughly enjoying her work.
Merry-Lee says of her work:
I see myself as a dedicated romantic, expressing love of life through my art. Using glass and gold, I create sunshine shouts of joy or murmurs of quiet remoteness. The resulting cloisonné jewelry is my voice. What really matters is the people who are touched by it in some way.
About Cloisonné
The French term, Cloisonné, refers to cells of colored enamel, separated by partitions of thin metal ribbons. An ancient art, it is believed to have originated in Byzantium (now Istanbul) and developed in the Orient.
Merry-Lee Rae specializes in jewelry and small sculpture cloisonné. She creates ribbons of 24K (pure) gold to separate and define colors and shadows invoked by the blending of fine and exotic transparent ground glass enamels.
The metalwork or "framework" of the piece is done by bending the fine ribbons to match the outlines of the preliminary artwork. Once each tiny piece is in place and gently fired to hold it's position, the long process of wet packing the enamels onto the design can begin. A thin layer of color is packed into each division and then fired in a kiln at 1475 degrees Fahrenheit. The amazing color and depth that Merry-Lee achieves comes from blending and adding more and more layers of the fine glass. At least 8 and as many as 20 layers and firings go into each piece.
Once the enameling process is complete, the piece is ground and polished much the same as a gem stone would be cut. The firing process shapes each piece uniquely, making it necessary to then individually handcraft a specific 18K gold setting to serve as a frame from which it can be shown. Fine gems are also often used to accent her incredible works of art.
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