Copper Enamel Mosaic, mounted on masonite. Signed: Sadie Gordon '74
7"x9" on 9-1/2"x11-3/4" boardThis was the culmination of much practice and experimentation in copper enameling. Sadie sketched out her design in pencil on a piece of copper, then had Grandpa Julie cut it into the mosaic shapes. After putting the copper pieces back in order, Sadie sprinkled on the enamel powders. Not only is it hard to control where the powder goes, but it's almost impossible to tell which color is which once they come out of the jar - they don't take on their vivid color until fired. I think she used the end of a paintbrush to push the powder around and scratch in detail lines. Next the pieces had to be carefully transferred to the tiny kiln, a few at a time. After the delicate firing procedure, we could finally let out our breath and see whether Sadie's deer and forest scene would emerge out of the melted glass. I remember she was unhappy with it at the time, but once Julie had dutifully mounted the pieces on masonite (no small task in itself), she took satisfaction in a process completed and the surprise - if not the perfection - of the results. For me this piece is a reminder of very happy times spent with my grandparents in their garage/workshop during the years they lived in Wilmington. --Zelda
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