(American)
After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Illinois, Cynthia Miller studied Copper Enameling with Richard Loving at the Art Institute of Chicago. A Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Northwestern University in 1978 completed her formal arts education. She has also acted and directed professionally, as well as been a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
The Process
Copper enameling is permanent, brilliant color. It is glass, not paint. I create copper enamel wall installations in panels, which, when displayed together, create large compositions of flowing patterns and gemlike colors. I work on the design of the composition as a whole, but each panel is fired individually. I start with panels of solid copper which have been scoured until they gleam. Vitreous enamel (pulverized glass) is gently sifted onto the copper.
The kiln interior has been heated to a glowing orange; powdered glass melts and fuses onto the copper as it is fired. As the panel cools, the vibrant and subtle hues are revealed. Sometimes enamel “jewels” are added to the design. The sifting–and–firing cycle is repeated until the desired effect is achieved. There can be as many as ten layers of color and multiple firings of each panel. It is exhilarating to explore the evolution of a composition as each successive layer adds luminosity and depth.
The colors remain rich and permanent. People are drawn to run their fingers over the finished surfaces because they are shiny and smooth and cool to the touch. Copper enamel panels are tolerant of weather: water, sunlight, heat and cold. Each composition is unique and intended to stimulate your imagination..
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Exhibitions
2016: Tucson International Airport
2016: Mesa Contemporary Art Museum
2016: Juried Show, Enamelist Society
Awards
2016: National NICHE Finalist-Enameling on Metal
2015: National NICHE Finalist-Home Furnishings
2014: National NICHE Finalist-Enameling on Metal
Education
2009 MFA: Theatre, Northwestern University 1978
BFA: Art; University of Illinois
Featured Articles
2013: Tucson Lifestyle Feature
2011: Glass on Metal, National Publication
2011: Sandpaper North, Avalon, NJ
2010: Explorer News, Tucson, AZ
I have always been fascinated by brilliant, jewel-like color. Copper enameling captures and celebrates light, depth and color that transforms any space. Many of my enameled pieces are designed like musical compositions: colors overlay and peek through each other, revealing lush depths under a smooth shiny surface.
Through copper enameling I communicate my joy and delight in nature’s scintillating array of hues and luminosities. Colors overlay and peek through each other. Just as jazz and chamber musicians explore, dialogue, and trade musical themes from one instrument to another, so color moves from one area to another on the copper.
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