Jewelers

Marilyn and Erica Drouin. Contemporary enamels.

Marilyn Drouin 2000.
Marilyn Drouin 2000.

Marilyn Drouin (1941-2001), American master enameller from Newark (Maryland, USA), graduated from William Paterson University in New Jersey. But she learned the technique of enameling from familiar craftsmen who were engaged in metal processing and enamelling. In the early 1900s, she founded her own company. Her work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Since 1985, Marilyn has taught art at the Art School at the Newark Museum. The family business is continued by her daughter, Erika Drouin.

Cup Marilyn Drouin 1997
Cup. 1997.

Erika Drouin continues the tradition of enameling started by her mother Marilyn. Here is what Erica says about her work:

“Vitreous enamel is high-quality glass ground into powder and colored with metal oxides. The enamel is fused to the metal surface by firing in an oven at an average temperature of 800°C. In my work, I fuse enamel with pure silver or 24 carat gold. Typically, the product is fired from 6 to 70 times, with each firing with a new application of enamel. In this way, the unchanging richness and depth of color inherent in the art of enamel is achieved.

Pendant Marilyn Drouin 1996
Pendant. Marilyn Drouin 1996.

In all my work I use the technique known as Cloisonné (cloisonné). In this technique, products are created by dividing the colors of glass into cells outlined by thin wires of 24 carat gold.

Another technique that can be seen in my work is Basse-taille. In Basse-taille enamelling, the original metal surface is treated to create a textured field. Texture can be created through traditional engraving, machine turning, stamping, forging, embossing, or fine etching. Then the metal is covered with layers of translucent enamel. The textures underlying the enamel create deep reflections and changes in color tone within the piece under different lighting conditions. My enamels are set in custom gold settings.”

Photo by Erika Drouin and an article about her work in the magazine.
Photo by Erika Drouin and an article about her work in the magazine.
Brooch Erica Drouin.
Brooch Erica Drouin.
Brooch Marilyn Drouin 1995
Brooch Marilyn Drouin 1995.
Necklace Marilyn Drouin 1998
Necklace Marilyn Drouin 1998.
Chalice Marilyn Drouin 1998
Chalice Marilyn Drouin 1998.
Glass on stand Marilyn Drouin 1999
Glass on stand Marilyn Drouin 1999.
Brooch 2000.
Brooch 2000.
Брошь Мэрилин Друин 2000 г..
Brooch, 2000.
Necklace Marilyn Drouin 2000.
Necklace, 2000.
Pendant in the form of three balls.
Pendant in the form of three balls.
Pendant made of enameled circles.
Pendant made of enameled circles.
Pendant Erika Drouin.
Erika Drouin, Pendant .
Brooch Erica Drouin. 2
Brooch Erica Drouin.
Mother of pearl brooch Erika Drouin.
Mother of pearl brooch Erika Drouin.
Golden brooch Erika Drouin.
Golden brooch Erika Drouin.
Bead Erika Drouin.
Bead Erika Drouin.
Green bead Erika Drouin.
Green bead Erika Drouin.
Pendant Erika Drouin. 2
Pendant Erika Drouin.