Kay Cummins, artist, goldsmith, jeweler, enamelist, instructor
Handcrafted in her studio and sold at Juried Art Shows and online. Be one of a kind. Wear one of a kind.
Image these Earrings framing your face. The vitreous enamel if layers of powder glass that Kay has created and set in Steel and 20k fused gold with 14k gold wires.
A statement cuff. This Steel cuff has been fused with 20k Green Gold and some Sterling Silver and a Mexican Boulder Opal that is both earthy and sparkling at the same time was selected from Kay’s collection of stones to match.
I am a Metalsmith and Enamelist currently combining my Love of Steel and Gold (FeAu) and Enamel. My studio is creative and well equipped. My non traditional choice of materials, is something that defines my work; contrast to invoke excitement and draw the viewer in and the extreme wearability of something lightweight and durable.
Using steel, an industrial metal and combining it with gold that she alloys to 18 karat and higher, she creates lightweight, industrial chic jewelry for the confident client. The contrast of these 2 different materials, lets Kay express herself and create in her bold wearable way. I have Torches, Kiln, Welder, Rolling Mill and a Hydraulic Press and a plethora of hand tools and enamel. It is sometimes a hot and dirty workspace. I scrupulously clean before enameling and finishing jewelry. Combining steel and gold requires high temperatures for the gold to melt, flow and bond with the steel. At 2000 degrees they bond. Embracing the qualities of each other. This bond is called Fusing.
Once fused the metal is cut, formed, soldered and patina applied before sealing the surface and setting a stone. I especially like forming, steel has a great ductile quality and memory once hardened. This allows me to use hammers and forms to push and hammer a shape into a lightweight metal.
For enameling (vitreous enamel is created by layering grains of ground glass and firing it at 1450 degrees till the glass melts and flows. Fine Silver or pure gold wires can be set into the enamel and a cloisonné piece A piece could have 20 or more firings. I use collection of vintage and Japanese enamels. The beauty is really special and it is quiet and zen like work. I find it peaceful.
I was taught this method of fusing by the late Chris Nelson. He was a master and developed this technique and began teaching in 2014. Chris and I worked closely and had a special sharing and curiosity towards what we could do with these materials. Prior to his passing I assisted him when he taught. In honor of Chris and my love for this method, I am now teaching others how to create and fuse hi karat gold to steel. I teach at Blink Gallery and Studio in Scottsdale, AZ and my private studio in Phoenix. If you are interested in learning this method, you must be experienced with a torch and high heat.
Wearability - Enjoy. Touch. Wear.