Jeanne Abriel
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Jeanne Abriel is a Southern California enamellist who studied several art techniques, including drawing, pottery, and silk painting before discovering the transparent qualities of enamel. She has explored many enameling techniques but her focus is on cloisonné, an ancient technique used for decorating metal. In cloisonné thin wires are bent to form a decorative design (usually closed cells called cloisons). The enamel is wet-inlayed into the cells, in many thin layers, and each layer is fired in a kiln at 1450 – 1500 degrees. Most of Jeanne’s work in jewelry is done in transparent Japanese or French enamels on fine silver. The silver is often textured using stamps, roller printing, or engraving to provide an interesting background that can be seen through the clear vivid layers of color.
Jeanne was educated as an enamellist by Pat Aiken. Her training included enameling in both opaque and transparent enamels on copper and silver, and a variety of techniques: stenciling, sgraffito, enamel painting, use of silver and gold foil, and separation enamels.
Jeanne’s work can be realistic or non-objective. She is influenced by things in the natural world, and the work of many artists, including Japanese enamels and prints, Art Nouveau, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky. Her current vision is to make a major improvement in her cloisonné technique, to achieve better control of line work and transparency of color.
Jeanne has participated in a number of exhibitions and art shows, and currently serves as Vice-President of the San Diego Enamel Guild.