Bowl with Bulbs see more works in the Gallery

Enameling can be defined as the firing of glass onto metal, a process that has been known for centuries. Enamels have had practical applications, such as in the manufacture of cookware and stoves, but enamels have also been used to create decorative objects. People have always been attracted to transparent enamels which look very much like jewels when properly done.

Contemporary enamelists are few in number, because the medium is demanding and unforgiving. However, when done well, the results can be wonderful. The rich color of transparent enamels fired over polished metal is wondrous and fascinating. As the observer turns a piece in the light, different colors appear more prominent; the design changes and comes alive. One can literally get lost in viewing a fine enamel, turning it in the light and enjoying its depth, observing the changes in hue and pattern. Everything depends on the reflection of light, on light being directed into the piece to the metal background, and then being reflected back through the various layers of color that have been fired onto the metal.

Bowl with Grasses 2007 6 ¾" diameter x 4" high

Averill's vessel, Bowl With Grasses, was accepted into FUSION, the 11th Biennial International Juried Exhibiton of the Enamelist Society. The 12th Biennial International Juried Enamel Exhibition and 8th International Juried Student Enamel Exhibition, sponsored by The Enamelist Society, will be held August 1- August 26, 2009 at the Oakland Art Gallery in Oakland, CA.

Averill was one of three enamelists who were invited to exhibit with the Korea Enameling Art Association. Work will be at the Gana Art Space Gallery in Insa Dong, Seoul from Sept. 23-30, 2008, and in the Iksan Jewelry Museum in Jeolla Province, Oct. 6-18, 2008.

Patrons enjoy Averill's work at the Gana Art Space Gallery.

Averill will be teaching an Introduction to Enameling workshop at the Littleton Studio School, Littleton NH, June 12 and 13, 2010.

Averill will be teaching an Introduction to Enameling workshop at Harrisburg Area Community College. August 7 & 8, 2010.

Averill's enamels and a write-up of one of her techniques, with step-by-step photos, are featured in The Art of Fine Enameling, by Karen L. Cohen. Published by Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 2002, the book contains 21 projects as well as 170 photos of finished enamels.

Photographs of her work and a write-up of another of her techniques are featured in Contemporary Enameling: Art and Techniques by Lilyan Bachrach. Published by Schiffer Publishing Co., 2006.

One of Averill's bowls is featured in the book 500 Enameled Objects: A Celebration of Color on Metal, published by Lark Books, 2009.

Regular exhibit of Averill B. Shepps' work:

• Enamelists Gallery at the Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, Virginia.

• Averill's current work was featured at the Enamelists Gallery, in an exhibition titled 50 Years of Enameling, June 3 - July 5, 2009. The exhibition celebrated her long career in enameling.