\n\t $\"\"$ <\/a>\n\t

Brooch, B. Seidenath. Silver, amethyst, enamel. Photo courtesy Sienna Gallery, Lenox, MA<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The exacting standards at Neugablonz may have tested her as a student, but it instilled in her a lifelong passion for teaching. \u201cI have experienced the liberating effects of mastering tools and materials in my own work. This freedom allows me to visualize my concepts appropriately,\u201d she has said. \u201cAcquiring the skills necessary to become a jeweler requires discipline and patience. Neither are easy accomplishments to master at the age students enter the profession.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discipline and patience: \u201cThat\u2019s a hard one,\u201d Barbara said. \u201cIt has to come from within. As a teacher, it\u2019s important to set high standards. But I also try to create a nurturing environment in the classroom. I want [students] to feel a sense of accomplishment, to give them a healthy push for ambition. Ultimately, you are going to be your own judge.\u201d<\/p>\n

For students who have encountered the frustration of being told to \u201cdo it again and again,\u201d compassionate words like these from a teacher can form the bedrock of their vocation.<\/p>\n

\n\t $\"\"$ <\/a>\n\t

Brooches, B. Seidenath. Above: "Winterstorm." Silver, enamel. Below: "Nest." Silver, enamel. photos by Marty Doyle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The workshop is Barbara\u2019s first visit to Metalwerx. Enamellists ready to take their skills to the next step will appreciate the comprehensive five-day course. In it, Barbara will focus on incorporating pattern and imagery to one\u2019s work.<\/p>\n

The workshop includes a variety of processes to prepare the metal surface, including roller printing with templates, engravers, stamps, chasing tools, decals, and non-toxic sodium etching. A portion of the workshop is dedicated to surface treatments, finishing techniques, and creative settings.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnamel is a tool like many others,\u201d Barbara said. \u201cThe specifics of the material, and the qualities that draw me in\u2014and a lot of others\u2014is color. Most important is to make it your own. I often start my beginner’s classes with basic color and texture exercises to encourage students to find their own palette.”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n\t $\"\"$ <\/a>\n\t

"Hand Ornament #6", B. Seidenath. Silver, enamel, quartz. Photo courtesy Moss Gallery, NYC, NY<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

About ten years ago, Barbara discovered she had a talent for cutting and polishing stones. \u201cI wanted to gain more control over the materials I\u00a0 envisioned to use.\u201d Her adventure in lapidary resulted in a collection of rings that she calls \u201cHand Ornaments.\u201d\u00a0 She set the irregular, freehand-cut crystals against an enameled background, introducing mood and color to an otherwise colorless stone. \u201cI ended up using crystals because they remind me of ice,\u201d a theme that appears from time to time in her work.<\/p>\n

For those who want to take on an adventure in enamelling, there are still spaces left in Barbara’s workshop. For more information, or to register, please visit http:\/\/www.metalwerx.com\/workshop\/547<\/a> or call Metalwerx at 781-891-3954.<\/p>\n

–by Yleana Martinez<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"