June Boyd-Dunlop is well-known for her unique enamel wall plaques, which will be on display in the Fisher Gallery’s Studio Gallery from July 20 to August 4. These plaques are a form she has made her own as a result of her innovations in what is an ancient art.
June is a self-taught enamellist with sixteen years working experience. During this time she has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand, including in NZ Craft Council selected exhibitions.
Enamelling is a process by which powdered glass, coloured by oxides, is fused onto a metal base. Various techniques are used for choice of expression and effect and many fixings in a kiln given to achieve good colour and the favoured translucence.
Vitreous enamels are one of the most permanent materials utilising colour known and the work can last forever without deterioration. There is evidence of this work done as long ago as 1100 BC by the early Egyptians.