Life story

Bernard GONNET
Metal Artist and Enameller

Starting point: Enamel is a mixture of silica, red lead, potash, soda ash and metal oxides. The combination of these elements, after a grinding process, produces a powder similar to crystal. Enamel can be transparent, opalescent or opaque. Enamelling is the process of fixing this powder on a metal base by successive short firings at around 800 degrees Celsius. Gold, silver, copper or steel can all be used as the base for the enamelled piece. Copperware shaping, etching, chasing and guilloche are all methods used to form or decorate the metal base.

Lifeline: Bernard GONNET was born on 24 May 1945 in a family of farmers and blacksmiths.

Studies: Accounting studies at the University of Lyon.

Diagonal Alley: From 1970, Bernard taught himself the art of enamelling, before joining the profession in 1976. Since then, he has trained in the techniques of chasing (Ecole Boule, France), glass fusing and thermoforming, glass blowing with a blowtorch (Musée-atelier du verre de Sars-Poteries), melting and casting of bronze.

Demarcation line: To the traditional enamelling techniques (cloisonné, champlevé, plein email, plique a jour), Bernard GONNET adds glass techniques (sandblasted multilayered enamels) and ceramic techniques (sprayed enamel powders, lustres, propane-torch firing). This combination allows him to play on the aesthetic by juggling with the rich and warm colours of copper and enamels. Pictures, vases, sculptures, goblets etc... every piece is unique.

Hidden Talents: His work is influenced by his knowledge of the ceramic RAKU technique and his passion for photography, arboriculture and bee keeping.

World stage: Professional meetings and exhibitions in the UK, Russia, Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, Spain, Japan, USA, the Netherlands and Egypt.

Where to see his work: His enamelled pieces are exhibited at the Galerie du Canal in Limoges (France), in the boutique Talents d' Ateliers d'Art de France, 26 avenue Niel, 75017 PARIS (France) and in his private studio in Lescheroux (by appointment only). You can keep up to date with his exhibitions on his website. Bernard GONNET is also a member of Ateliers d'Art de France (French federation of craft professionals).

Hall of fame: Bernard GONNET's enamels can be seen in the permanent collections of the following museums in France and abroad: Musee des Pays de l'Ain (Bourg-en-Bresse, France), Ecomusée de Pierre-de-Bresse (France), Musée des Beaux-Arts in Limoges (France) and Musee Ravenstein (Netherlands).

Practical courses: Bernard GONNET organises regular workshops on the techniques and the art of enamelling.

To get in touch:
Fontaramiel,
01560 LESCHEROUX (France)
Tel and Fax: 0033 4 74 52 64 33

Original text translated by Julie Desmarchelier, 2012.

Bernard GONNET

Metal Artist and Enameller

 

 

Starting point: Enamel is a mixture of silica, red lead, potash, soda ash and metal oxides. The combination of these elements, after a grinding process, produces a powder similar to crystal. Enamel can be transparent, opalescent or opaque. Enamelling is the process of fixing this powder on a metal base by successive short firings at around 800 degrees Celsius. Gold, silver, copper or steel can all be used as the base for the enamelled piece. Copperware shaping, etching, chasing and guilloche are all methods used to form or decorate the metal base.

 

Lifeline: Bernard GONNET was born on 24 May 1945 in a family of farmers and blacksmiths.

 

Studies: Accounting studies at the University of Lyon.

 

Diagonal Alley: From 1970, Bernard taught himself the art of enamelling, before joining the profession in 1976. Since then, he has trained in the techniques of chasing (Ecole Boule, France), glass fusing and thermoforming, glass blowing with a blowtorch (Musée-atelier du verre de Sars-Poteries), melting and casting of bronze.

 

Demarcation line: To the traditional enamelling techniques (cloisonné, champlevé, plein email, plique a jour), Bernard GONNET adds glass techniques (sandblasted multilayered enamels) and ceramic techniques (sprayed enamel powders, lustres, propane-torch firing). This combination allows him to play on the aesthetic by juggling with the rich and warm colours of copper and enamels. Pictures, vases, lamps, sculptures, goblets etc… every piece is unique.

 

Hidden Talents: His work is influenced by his knowledge of the ceramic RAKU technique and his passion for photography, arboriculture and bee keeping.

 

World stage: Professional meetings and exhibitions in the UK, Russia, Hungary, Lithuania, Germany, Spain, Japan, USA, the Netherlands and Egypt.

 

Where to see his work: His enamelled pieces are exhibited at the Galerie du Canal in Limoges (France), in the boutique Talents d' Ateliers d'Art de France, 26 avenue Niel, 75017 PARIS (France) and in his private studio in Lescheroux (by appointment only). You can keep up to date with his exhibitions on his website. Bernard GONNET is also a member of Ateliers d'Art de France (French federation of craft professionals).

 

Hall of fame: Bernard GONNET's enamels can be seen in the permanent collections of the following museums in France and abroad: Musee des Pays de l’Ain (Bourg-en-Bresse, France), Ecomusée de Pierre-de-Bresse (France), Musée des Beaux-Arts in Limoges (France) and Musee Ravenstein (Netherlands).

 

Practical courses: Bernard GONNET organises regular workshops on the techniques and the art of enamelling.

 

To get in touch:

Fontaramiel,

01560 LESCHEROUX (France)

Tel and Fax: 0033 4 74 52 64 33

 

Original text translated by Julie Desmarchelier, 2012.