About Dimensional Colors original enamel art

Colors and faces

Dimensional Colors was created by myself, Barbara Gersenson, self taught enamel artisan. I am a member of the North West Art Alliance, Port Townsend Art Guild, and the Port Townsend Farmers Market. I started enameling in 1989 as a hobby; after acquiring a small jewelers kiln, I started enameling most of my spare time. Hours of careful observation and note taking, I learned to control the enamels and to create colors that glisten like gem stones. It took many years before even attempting to create images as art, and a few more years before being able to execute the original art. Each piece is spontaneous and unique. Multiple firings allow me to layer colors and to create complex designs, though one too many firings can ruin a piece. Using dry powdered enamels, I can obtain a hand painted look with multiple levels. The first firing would be a combination of enamels that create the jewel like look, which varies for different colors and looks. For the art switchplate, tile or pendants, the next layer would add the art: there are two different ways I start this. For most, I do the art switch plate, tile or pendants like the ones on the Home page, that is by putting a layer of black, or another dark color, and pushing the enamels around to outline images. The next two to three firings of the switchplate are when the colors are added, each firing I add colors to most or all of the switch plate, tile or pendant, where by most colors have two to three colors that are piled one on top of the other. The reason for this is to save time, and most importantly to have less firings, as the images disperse a little each firing. The other method of art switchplate, is using an opaque enamel as a base for the colors, so that more brite and slightly less detailed art results. This opaque style is shown on this page. In both cases, the image can be fealt when running your hand over the piece, with thicker areas being more enamel, but not neccessarily darker. Custom switchplate requests are welcome.

All switch plates, tile, and pendants are counter enameled for strength and to avoid warping as cooled. Screws are enameled, unless metal works better. The switchplates are machine stamped and UV rated.

These handmade switch plates are available from single up to triple gang plates, outlet covers, GFI's, combination plates and Decora Style. Oversize switch plates available also. Custom switchplate requests welcome.

My shop is near Sequim, WA. I can be found from April til mid December at the Port Townsend Sat. market; check my Home page for details and other events, down the page on the left.