Wires
Using delicate tools, I can bend tiny wires to create structure that satisfies my need for control. I can be precise or loose!
Ricky Frank
The Art of Creative Alchemy
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Exploring the questions...
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My New "Creative Alchemy" Collection
Sometimes it is time to embark on a new journey;
A transformation or re-invention of one's self. I never know where I will end up but I know that it is time for a change!
What is a Quest?
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Enameling is a magical process;
It's a type of alchemy that uses heat to transform metal and glass into
"color, layers, and light".
Firing the enamel in my kiln
The enamel begins to melt when it reaches 1300 degrees F. |
Enamel colors ready to apply
It's like painting with colored sand! |
Wires and gold/silver foil create lines, shapes, and patterns.
Like stained-glass, except that I begin with the metal outline and make my own panes of glass. |
Why I love to enamel.
"Cloisonne´ enameling is a process that challenges me to find a creative balance between Freedom and Control, between Science and Art"
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Bend Wires and Paint Color Layers
I like to improvise. When I begin, I don't always know where it will go or what it will look like when it's finished.
I begin by bending and firing wires into place. This gives me a sense of control when I begin a new piece. It creates a sort of security blanket for me, similar to the lines in a coloring book. I can play with different color combinations and I can choose to "color outside of the lines". I feel free to play as I build up multiple layers of enamels of different colors and with different aI then feel free to play with the many variations of color and transparency that are possible with enameling. I prefer an improvisational approach to designing and enjoy the process of letting my previous steps lead me surprises over the steps that follow. |
Light & DepthReflected and Transmitted Light creates a glow that feels like I am creating and exploring unknown worlds of brilliant depth. |
ColorPainting and blending Enamel Color Layers allows me to indulge my sense of play and desire for freedom. 
Magical StoriesI can use a "collage" approach to combine wires, color, and foils to "let the images emerge". Plans change and the unexpected appears. |
Learn with Ricky Frank in 2025
Coming Soon: New Programs & Upgrades
Enamel ClassesJoin the Wait List for Ricky's In-Person Studio classes. Students of all levels are able to learn the basics, improve their existing skills, and explore more personal design and expression questions.
Weekend and 5 day workshops beginning Spring 2025. Email me for details and with your interests. |
The Enamel Channel Video LibraryLearn how to enamel and "practice to improve" your enameling with Ricky's extensive video library. More than "how-to" demonstrations, you will see how Ricky "practices to improve" his both his Outer Game (technique) and Inner Game (creativity, design, storytelling) skills
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Camp Creative QuestAn online Creativity Camp for Adults!
Take your artwork to the next level. This online community will help you move past your self-limiting fears. You will feel connected, supported and challenged as you make more creative and intentional artwork. For all media. Email me with your interest. |
Customer Reviews
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Beautiful - as always! The enamel work is some of the more interesting things Ricky is doing at the moment. I am looking forward to wearing it many, many times. (The pieces were a bit larger than I expected, but that is not anything to complain about.) Thank you for the sale, Ricky, but I would have bought it anyway...
Dawn C.
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The pendant I purchased is one of the most beautiful pieces of cloisonné jewelry that I have ever seen. I hope to purchase more in the future.
Candace E.
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Ricky’s work is wonderful and this is a gorgeous bracelet. The colors are even more striking in person than in the pictures. I couldn’t be happier.
Barbara B.
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Another beautiful piece to add to my collection! Will enjoy for many years to come!
Denise W
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What a wonderful quality Ricky produces, and neither my daughter nor my wife has anything like these in their collections. Can dress up with these, or dress down. Great POP of color, great smiles on their faces!
Jeff B.
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I received the Sunset pendant as a Christmas gift from my husband for Christmas! The colors are magnificent as is the design! I absolutely love it!
Isabel R.
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The bracelet is absolutely beautiful. I've taken several of Ricky's classes and make a few enamel pieces, but Ricky is the master so I also have given his work to my wife as presents. She will love this and I feel lucky to have seen it in time.
Steve S.
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Beautiful piece! The colors and shading are amazing, there is a depth to the enamel that doesn’t show in the photos. Just love it!
Sarah N.
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These earrings are stunning and even more beautiful in person that in the photos. As always- I am delighted by Ricky’s work. So lovely and so well made.
Maureen B.
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Absolutely beautiful, pictures were awesome but didn't do them justice. I've had them two days, have worn them both days and have had 6 different people comment about how they like them. Art that you can wear, love them thank you.
Deborah G.
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The Making of a Cloisonne´ Enamel
It takes many skills and steps to move from imagination to a finished piece of jewelry!
Cloisonne´ wires and background opaque color layers are created and fired.
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Gold and Silver foil elements added to reflect light and create contrast with opaque colors.
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First layer of colors fired. Thin layers are built up to create maximum color transparency.
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Second layer of colors fired. Time to make color changes: darken areas and change colors.
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After multiple layers and polishing, final piece is placed into a handcrafted pendant setting.
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These videos really help you see the depth and light!
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PJ Floyd Mixed-Media Sculptures
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My talented wife tells mixed-media stories. Drawing upon her background as a choreographer and modern dancer, she combines her needle-felted figures with found and re-purposed elements to share her unique vision of what it means to be a woman in our world..
To lighten things up a little bit, she has developed her "Head South" line of whimsical needle-felted faces. 
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