Member Masterclass: Enamelling

Member Events

Explore the process of enamelling with our Maker-in-Residence Helen Carnac in this member masterclass. Helen will give a series of short demonstrations of principles and methods of enamelling processes.

The word 'enamel' comes from the Latin vitreum, meaning "glassy".' Vitreous enamel, also known as porcelain enamel, is fused to metal, which is then heated to 800 °C in a matter of minutes in an enamel kiln to produce a smooth, durable coating.

Metalworker and artist Helen Carnac will be using the Institute of Making as her studio and creating thoughtful and rhythmic enamel pieces, as well as experimental works in metal and other materials as part of a number of installations that she will be developing on UCL campus.

Over her four-day residency at the Institute of Making, Helen will be creating an in-depth enamelling and material workshop, so pop in and be amazed at what is possible with this material. As part of the enamelling process you can: find out how to use the Makespace enamel kiln; discover the instant gratification of firing vitreous porcelain on copper; and consider the nature of mark making - all using Helen's unique and extensively researched knowledge and an array of powders, pigments, stencils and tools.

You can also speak to Helen about her longer six month residency with UCL Culture. For this project Helen is considering the nature of public art and creating temporary pieces in response to the UCL Campus, so as well as seeing Helen in the Makespace, you can visit a number of sites at UCL where she has installed her work.

Helen is an internationally acclaimed enameller who trained as a silversmith and works with vitreous enamel on steel; the type of enamel used for domestic ‘white wear’ including baths, sinks, pots and pans. Her collections of vessels crafted from vitreous enamel have built her reputation as a respected maker, but Helen has also established herself as a writer, curator, teacher, speaker and collaborator. Helen says about her enamelled pieces: "Repetition of mark is key and enables me to focus. My primary aim is to draw with the material leaning towards techniques such as sgraffito. Firing for the most part only once, areas of the panels are ground and abraded to a matt finish in places, allowing the steel substrate to oxidise naturally, creating new relationships with the enamel; a crossing point between control and chance."