GALLERY TALK

CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER –

Today’s GALLERY TALK
has been POSTPONED
RESCHEDULED FOR NEXT SATURDAY
Oct. 22, @ 2 pm
at the Guardino Gallery

So sorry, but it will be safer for everyone.
PLEASE STAY SAFE AND DRY!
– Alisa

This piece is fitting for the storm in the Northwest!

Above: Folding Into Nature (show title piece)
Vitreous Enamel (glass) on hammered steel

Alisa Looney – Metal Sculpture Vitreous Enamel (glass) on Steel

FEATURE AREA – Runs September 29 – October 23

NEW DATE FOR ARTIST TALK SAT. OCT 22 AT 2PM

I look forward to sharing my ideas behind this new body of work and also discussing the wonder and complexity of fusing glass to metal. Please come with curiosity about this amazing alchemy called enameling. There will be plenty of time for Q & A. I hope to see you there!

Guardino Gallery 2939 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 503.281.9048

For many gallery visitors, this may be the first time seeing the seductive beauty of vitreous enamel applied to sculptural steel form.

Alisa Looney, metal sculptor and enamelist, known for her public sculptures in the Northwest, is currently exhibiting her enamel (glass) on steel sculptures, wall reliefs, panels and figurative metal sculptures in Guardino Gallery’s Feature Area Sept 29 through Oct 23, 2016.

Her current enamel work explores the theme: “Folding into Nature.”
She is interested in how we as humans are coping with the environmental and cultural challenges we are facing. She is presenting work that explores the many ways we find meaningful moments amidst these challenges, even joy, reaching for a calm acceptance of
what is.

Above: Artist Series: Painting Guide (spirit mask)
Vitreous Enamel (glass) on hammered steel

Spirit Masks

“Spirit Masks” are wall sculptures intended to provide guidance or protection in an area of life or special place. Several in this exhibit portray people finding solace through creative expression in visual art, dance or theatre. Other works explore how we connect to our inner wildness through nature, or how we bridge cultural boundaries by joining together.

Artist Series – Living Sculpture (spirit mask)
Enamel (glass) on hammered steel

Enameling Process

Each piece is plasma cut from steel, ground, sanded, hammered to shape and often TIG welded. Images are hand-painted with vitreous enamel (glass), using an ancient painting technique first developed in the 1100’s in Limoges France. Liquid glass (powder) is applied in several layers using various combinations of dipping, spraying, painting and sgraffito techniques, with each layer (often 6 or more) being fired between 1500 to 1320 degrees to achieve depth and detail in a lustrous smooth glass surface. This alchemy results in heirloom works with vibrant color that will never fade.

Photo shows blue porcelain glass layer being drawn into using the sgraffito technique, with pointed tools and brushes.

This photo catches a glimpse of the Water Maiden sculpture’s blue porcelain enamel layer being fired in the artist’s large front loading kiln.