Jane Wills

Artist Statement
I have always had a passion for colour, texture and metal. I grew up in a house surrounded by all sorts of  textiles, and generations of my family worked with metal. A visit to an exhibition to see some  of the world’s best enamels in Limoges revealed just how those elements came together in an inspirational fashion . However, my own opportunity to explore and experiment with enamelling had to wait until the end of a fulfilling career in education.  With much delight I bought my first kiln and my  enamel discovery journey began. Inspired by some wonderful enamelists and an endless curiosity on my part, I have produced a varied range of enamelled bowls, dishes, leaves and jewellery to be found now in various countries.

My current work includes jewellery, on both copper and fine silver: earrings, pendants, brooches and cufflinks. All celebrate colour!   I particularly love enamelling small copper bowls and dishes. It provides a larger space to work with, providing an opportunity to combine colours and effects.  As I fire some of the enamel designs at the highest temperatures, the results can be stunning and sometimes unexpected. I call the abstract enamel design series my ‘Paintings in a Pot’. I also produce a perennial favourite, enamelled copies of leaves in many colours inspired by autumn. I make earrings, mobiles , brooches and individual leaves for display.

I am Bristol based, and am fortunate enough to have a studio in the garden . I have exhibited on many Arts Trails in the locality, including Cam Valley Arts Trail last year. If you would like to ask me more about any of the work you see on the Cam Valley Arts Trail website or on Facebook, do email me. I would be delighted to send you more images and answer questions. Enamels are hard to photograph and to really capture their beauty as they are so reflective and multi layered . Each piece has many coats of  differently coloured powdered glass, to build up the lovely colours . It is fired after each coat. Each piece going into a very hot kiln between 6-10 times. There will be variations in any piece but this makes them unique. Often the back of a piece will be a little different from the front. 
Contact details
Email contact janeiwills@gmail.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneWillsEnamels
​Instagram: instagram.com/janeiwills

Payment is normally by bank transfer or cash on collection.