Here are some basic skills (and questions) to consider...

Now, What can I DO with these skills to make it my own?

• Can I "fire" my enamel with either a torch or enamel so that the enamel "sticks" to either the metal or a previous layer of enamel?
  
• Can I add enough counter enamel onto the back so that I can build up thicker layers on the front?
  
• Can I prepare a silver surface to reflect light through transparent layers of enamel?
• Can I bend wire cells and fire them onto an enamel layer?
• Can I apply enamel layers and fire them into wire cells?
• Can I create foil layers that reflect light through transparent enamel layers?
• Can I apply and fire clear layers of enamel (flux) to fill up my cells with maximum clarity?
• Can I grind/polish the enamel surface to create a finish that I like?

• Make something with pretty colors.
• Consider inspiration.
• Consider design.
• Consider story and meaning.
• Apply creative thinking to different skills, steps, or materials.
  
• Make the techniques "my own".
  

Why
I've created "The Creative Enamel Color Adventure" Course

How I teach

I was once where you may be now. 
​I had discovered enameling and was in love with the process and color. My techniques were improving. But I had hit a wall and becoming a collector of  techniques, tools, and materials was not taking my enameling to another level. But I didn't know what to do.

Almost 35 yeas ago, I decided to make a change.

• I changed my questions; from "technique" questions to "artistic questions".
• I changed my goals; instead of needing to make something "good", I gave myself permission to play and experiment with enamel to discover what was possible and what I loved.
• And last, but not least, I began a never-ending quest to explore my "inner experience".

My process changed, my enamels changed, and my career changed. Little did I know that I had just  begun the long and challenging process of discovering my Artistic Vision and Voice.

I stumbled through a process of teaching myself. After almost 20 years of watching enamel students struggle with the challenging combination of Technique and Art, I want to share with you what I have learned and how I learned it.

Why didn't I just create a class with lots of video tutorial lessons and a Facebook discussion group?

Most of us have recently become even more isolated than normal. I love being alone in my studio, absorbed in my many ideas, questions, and projects. I also crave (and miss) the connection that I feel in class when we are sharing our lives, our dreams, our challenges, and our passion.

​I want to connect with my students.
Watching them step cautiously into their "discomfort zone" and emerge with an enamel that they never would have imagined designing or making causes me to do my "Happy Dance".

• I want to offer you the same type of support and guidance that I had when I began my enamel transformation.
• I want to share my process; not just "how I make my enamel color", but how I use my inspiration and my questions to discover new ways of exploring enamel color, layers, and light.
• I want to help you discover your creative spirit and watch it soar as you develop both freedom and control  with your enamel colors. 

I designed this course to be an experience of "connection". 

• I want to connect with you and have you connect with me.
• I want you to feel connected to our other adventure members.
• I want you to feel connected with whatever inspires you.
• I want you to make the connection with yourself that will empower you to make enamel artwork that comes from your heart.​

My Assumptions

I am assuming that ...

• you want to explore an artistic side of yourself. 
• you want more than the challenge of learning new techniques.
  
• you understand that this takes time & effort. There are no "art pills" that I can subscribe.
  
• you are unique and have experiences that are different from anyone else in the world.
  
• You don't need to be "good enough" to begin.
  

Muscle Memory, Learning, and Creativity

• Change the goal from searching for the "right answer" to discovering more & different questions.
  
• There is a difference between learning and performing. We need to learn before we can perform successfully.
• If I change my questions, I can discover the inspiration, motivations, and discipline.
• I can learn more by studying my own experience than by asking someone to tell me about their experience.
• Trusting and valuing my experience is necessary.
• I develop skills by taking "baby-steps", practicing the "baby-steps" to create a comfort zone.
• I improve by challenging my self to step slightly outside of my comfort zone.
• My goal is to develop muscle memory (re-wire my brain) for the many skills that I will use.
• When I am using muscle memory, I am able to shift my attention and become aware of something new or different.
• I can develop muscle memory in cognitive (thinking) skills as well as physical skills.
• Muscle memory is required for me to enter into a Creative Flow
  

Should I study with Ricky Frank?
Yes or No?

Yes,
Ricky's workshops are for you if....

• you want to explore your creative process
• you want to learn something about yourself
• your are open to change and re-invention
• you are willing to try to "play" and "experiment"
• you can allow yourself to risk failing
• you want to discover your inner child through enameling
• you can accept some chaos and uncertainty
• you want to make unique and personal enamel imagery

No,
Ricky's workshops are NOT for you if....

• you want a teacher to give you all of the answers to your questions
• you believe that you need the right answers and right ways to do something
• you need to make something that you like in order to feel successful
• you are not willing to practice in order to improve your skills
• you need to feel that can get it "now"
• you just want the techniques
• you get too frustrated if you don't know where you are going
• you want to make enamel art that looks like the art of other enamel artists

I've found that letting go of a "right way" approach helps me feel more playful, creative, and inspired.
What do YOU want?