Marty Moore
Artist Statement
I started working in enamels over forty some years ago. The old medium of enamel (glass on metal) has such a variety of techniques that continually draw me in, from the depth of the transparent enamels to the layering of them, combined with opaque enamels, to the manipulation of the base metal prior to any firing of the glass. I can easily fire a plate up to twelve times to achieve my designs.
Recently I have started to combine stitchery work (punch needle) with the enamels. I like the juxtaposition of the two techniques and materials, soft and hard. I get lead off and at times it can become distracting to have so many possibilities and combinations of methods and materials.
My time creating has always been very important to me, sometimes more than I realize, as life can roll by quickly. When I worked in healthcare, it was definitely a stress reliever, and now I need it to push me onward. It also helps me create connections with others.
My pieces become little worlds for me, whether it is a wall piece, plate or a piece of jewelry. As in life, I can only control so much though, and during the process of needling, working the metal, firing in the kiln, etc., I have let go and allow the piece and the creative process lead me.