Marilyn Drouin (1941-2001), American master enameller from Newark (Maryland, USA), graduated from William Paterson University in New Jersey. But she learned the technique of enameling from familiar craftsmen who were engaged in metal processing and enamelling. In the early 1900s, she founded her own company. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Since 1985, Marilyn has taught art at the Art School at the Newark Museum. The family business is continued by her daughter, Erika Drouin.
Erika Drouin continues the tradition of enameling started by her mother Marilyn. Here is what Erica says about her work:
“Vitreous enamel is high-quality glass ground into powder and colored with metal oxides. The enamel is fused to the metal surface by firing in an oven at an average temperature of 800°C. In my work, I fuse enamel with pure silver or 24 carat gold. Typically, the product is fired from 6 to 70 times, with each firing with a new application of enamel. In this way, the unchanging richness and depth of color inherent in the art of enamel is achieved.
In all my work I use the technique known as Cloisonné (cloisonné). In this technique, products are created by dividing the colors of glass into cells outlined by thin wires of 24 carat gold.
Another technique that can be seen in my work is Basse-taille. In Basse-taille enamelling, the original metal surface is treated to create a textured field. Texture can be created through traditional engraving, machine turning, stamping, forging, embossing, or fine etching. Then the metal is covered with layers of translucent enamel. The textures underlying the enamel create deep reflections and changes in color tone within the piece under different lighting conditions. My enamels are set in custom gold settings.”
