As Above, So Below #2 by Leni Fuhrman

Vessel/Sculpture

Liquid Enamel, Sunshine Colors, Copper

Sgraffito, painting, forming

4.25 X 4.25 X 1.75 inches

Trained as a painter and printmaker, I found myself drawn to the metal etched plate rather than the resulting print on paper. With time, I began working with metals, becoming increasingly excited by the painterly possibilities inherent in enamels. I envision enameling as “Nature in a crucible”. Using fire, molten glass, and metal, often on etched, abraded or scorched surfaces, I use the process of enameling itself to examine themes of the cataclysmic forces of Nature,
experiencing its danger, unpredictability, and excitement, while at the same time exploring its inherent beauty. As a child I was fascinated by the pictures in my father’s medical magazines and have been working with "hidden" or microscopic imagery for many years.

Leni received a B.A. in Studio Art from Carleton College, a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Painting and Printmaking from Pratt Institute and taught Fine Art at Kean University for 26 years, while developing as a multi-faceted artist — painter, sculptor, designer, metalsmith and enamelist.

Her award-winning work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States, Europe and Japan.

Her enamels have been featured in over two dozen books and publications, including: 500 Brooches; Contemporary Enameling: Art and Techniques; Art Jewelry Today; New Directions in Metal Clay; Best of America Jewelry Artists & Artisans; The Art and Craft of Making Jewelry; The Art of Fine Enameling; Playing with Fire: Glass on Metal

Leni’s enameled peace dove pin was created for the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, as an award to noted individuals who are named as "messengers of peace”.