Giovanni Corvaja

Giovanni Corvaja is a truly remarkable artist. He is an Italian goldsmith who has developed a method of drawing wire to a fifth of the thickness of human hair, essentially turning gold and platinum into delicate fibres. In his latest collection, he has recreated the Golden Fleece, creating pieces seemingly covered in gold fur.

This image demonstrates how he draws his wire, and it floored me how sensible it is. Doing filigree, I work with very long lengths of very thin wire, and it is frustrating and very time consuming having to deal with tangles. This device is so clever and I have to get one!
Images sourced from http://www.giovanni-corvaja.com/

ENAMELLING

Hill,G.(ed.) 2008. Faberge and the Russian Master Goldsmiths. New York: Universe Publishing. Plate 101

I absolutely love these enamelled cigarette cases made by various Russian makers circa.1890-1910! I aspire to create a business card case, in this style, with my logo and a floral motif. Still working on the design! Terrified about working with enamel, though! Guess there's nothing for it but to plunge in!