Kenwood Porcelain

KENWOOD PORCELAIN
Kenwood Porcelain is a collection of ceramic jewelry hand made from colored clays. The various patterns seen in the earrings and multicolored beads are created by layering and manipulating slices of colored porcelain to form a block or loaf of patterned clay, a technique called nerikomi. This block is then sliced to shape the jewelry pieces. After firing, the beads and earring pieces are tumbled in water to create a smooth matte finish. The necklaces are strung on tough waxed linen cord and the earrings are fitted with sterling silver earwires, surgical steel posts, or base metal clip backs.		I was first introduced to the nerikomi technique by a Japanese master potter while in graduate school. Much experimentation followed and in 1980 I started selling pottery made from colored porcelain using the nerikomi technique. In 1985 I introduced Kenwood Porcelain, a line of porcelain jewelry made with the same materials and techniques. I continue to make both types of work and my pottery can be found in several museum collections. My sources of inspiration for the colors and patterns are quite varied, the natural world being primary. Patterns seen in shells, rocks, flowers, butterfly wings, seed pods, and even clouds have all influenced my designs.