Feature Artist Ricky Frank

Feature Artist Ricky Frank

Ricky Frank has had a fascination
with color since a young age.
This fascination eventually led
him to an interest in the brightly
colored world of enameling. Not really
knowing where this fascination would
lead to, his involvement in sports and
life and all things young adult for a
time commanded his attention. He
earned a Psychology degree and though
he enjoyed his studies, he still would
find himself returning to continue his
pursuit of color and enameling once
again. After college, though a suitable
career in his field could have kept
him busy, his interests in enameling
and perfecting the art form known as
cloisonné beckoned him back to perfect
the hobby he had once put away. So
digging out his early work from his
parents’ basement, he once again fired
up the kiln and dove into enameling
with a renewed passion that has seen
him through to present day.
Enameling is the process of melting
glass on metal. Cloisonné enameling
is an ancient technique in which thin
strips of metal wire are used to separate
color areas. Enamel powder, a type of
glass formulated to bond with the base
metal, is applied between the wires in
thin layers, firing each layer at around
1,450 degrees Fahrenheit. When the
height of the enamel reaches the height
of the wire, the surface is ground
smooth, exposing all of the wires and
then either fired for a glossy finish or
polished for a more subtle effect. Small
and beautiful, these intricate pieces are
personal statements, speaking to both
the artist and the collector.
Ricky’s discovery of the works of
Gael and Howard Silverblatt became
the foundation upon which he has
built his own interpretation of enamel
art. The Silverbaltt’s use of vibrant
colors and exquisite details stirred the
inner artist within Ricky, compelling
him to begin his own journey into a
kaleidoscope of personal expression.some experience with firing glass into enamel, he soon
found that wire work embodied the details of each creation.
Years later, Ricky’s work conveys his desire to share his
journey into enameling, displaying his passion for color,
story, and beauty.
Ricky’s imagery flows back and forth between a definite
theme and the abstract. His structured side wants to tell
stories about personal growth and inner conflict; his fluid
side wants to explore and play. He manages to blend the
two in a harmonious balance of beauty and skill. Ricky
wants his jewelry to be affirmations that quality does exist;
there is hope and beauty in the world; people can overcome
challenges; and life is a balancing act to be embraced.
Ricky will be appearing at Peak Experience in August,
4th-5th-6th and you are invited to come in and visit. His
work is available and certainly is something to possess. For
more information call Peak Experience (828)526-0229 or
visit Ricky Frank’s web site at www.rickyfrank.com.

LAUREL Blurb

August 2006