Alchemy 5: Transformation in Contemporary Enamels

November 23, 2019 – October 18, 2020

Exhibition Overview

“Alchemy” is a term that refers to a seemingly magical power of transmutation as well as the ancient chemical philosophy of turning base metal into gold or silver, can apply to enamel as it is magically transformed by heat.

Alchemy 5 is the 17th Biennial International Juried Enamel Exhibition and 13th International Juried Student Enamel Exhibition, sponsored by The Enamelist Society. The Exhibitions highlight the best in contemporary enamels produced in the last two years. The International Juried Exhibition showcases the work of enamelists that demonstrate aesthetic and technical expertise. The Student Exhibition, which is always very inspiring, features the work of students in accredited degree programs throughout the world. The Exhibitions will be hosted at the University of Oregon in Eugene, from July 31 – August 7, 2019 and then will travel to other venues including Museum of Glass.

Featured Images

Image Credits

Jan Smith (Canadian). Sandstone Erosions, 2016. Vitreous enamel, copper, sterling silver, and leatherion; 3 ¾ x 3 ¾ in. Photo by Gillean Proctor Photography. From Alchemy 4: Transformation in Contemporary Enamels, 2017.
Charity Hall. Cotinus Beetles, 2018. Enamel, copper, brass, silver, peridot, yellow cubic zirconia, stainless steel; 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Jessi Sawyer. Finding Breadcrumbs//In the Fields that Breathe, 2018. Copper, enamel, iron oxide transfer; 2 3/4 × 10 1/2 × 8 3/4 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Natalia Araya. Spoon Theory, 2018. Copper, vitreous enamel; Largest: 11 13/16 × 3 1/8 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Mehrdad Bagherpourhamedani. My Fantasy Tiling, 2018. Bronze, copper, enamel; 11 13/16 × 7 7/8 × 1 9/16 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Amy Roper Lyons. Women’s Work 2, 2018. Sterling silver, enamel; 5 1/2 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Jennifer Marcson. Claustrophobia, 2018. Aluminum, Copper, Enamel, Silver; 9 1/2 x 7 x 2 1/2 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
René Roberts. Salt Point Tafoni #5, 2018. Enamel, copper, patina; 8 1/4 × 8 1/4 × 11 7/16 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Sarah Perkins. Yellow Crackle Bowl, 2018. Copper, enamel, silver foil; 3 x 7 in. Collection of the artist. Photo courtesy of the artist.