Painting Nature in Enamel with Charity Hall

We’re delighted to welcome Charity Hall back to the Folk School this winter! Charity, a talented enamelist and metalsmith, is known for her stunning nature-inspired artwork. Her creations, often on display at places like the Metal Museum and featured in several books, are celebrated for their intricate details and vibrant colors.

From February 9-14, 2025, Charity will be teaching Painting Nature in Enamel, a hands-on class exploring the art of painting with powdered glass on copper. Students will learn various techniques for bringing natural forms to life in enamel, creating beautiful pieces like jewelry, small bowls, and tiles. No prior painting or enameling experience is needed, but a steady hand will be helpful.

Read more about Charity and her upcoming class in our blog post below. Interested? Theres only a few spots left so, reserve your spot soon!

JCCFS: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What’s your background in your medium? How did you get started?

CH: I’m an enamelist and metalsmith with an MFA in Metal Design from East Carolina University. A member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and often teach jewelry and enameling classes at the Folk School and other craft schools. Before becoming a full-time artist and metalsmith, I worked as a biological surveyor and as a U.S. Forest Service botanist where I nurtured my love of the natural world. My deeply ingrained love for flora and fauna inspire every piece of my work which showcases overlooked insects and their brilliant anatomical patterns.

JCCFS: Tell us more about your class’s specific technique or process.

CH: Explore the colorful art of painting natural forms in enamel using powdered glass and copper. Learn simple transfer techniques to create exquisitely detailed images of leaves, insects, landscapes, and more even if you have never drawn or painted anything. This class is suitable for both beginners with zero experience and those with previous experience. We will explore all that enamel has to offer, including pigments, stencils, silver foil, and more!

Student work from a previous Painting Nature in Enamel class

Instructor Example

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave your class with?

CH: You get to choose what you make. Possibilities include ornaments, jewelry, and objects for the home (such as enameled bowls, switch plate covers, and more!)

JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect of the John C. Campbell Folk School?

CH: Friends (old and new)
Good food (without having to wash dishes)
Peaceful scenery/being surrounded by nature

JCCFS: Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?

CH: I have always been interested in plants-especially the tiny herbaceous plants that most people overlook. When you take the time to get down low and really observe small things, you can’t help but seeing even more. Observation is important for both art and science. Taking the time to observe and reflect improves well-being.

JCCFS: What’s one piece or craft object you’ve made recently that you are proud of, and why? 

CH: Lacebug (a plique a jour enamel and silver brooch with moveable parts). I don’t normally work with this technique, but enjoyed the process, which requires one to slow down and pay attention to small details.

JCCFS: What tips would you give a student or aspiring craftsperson? Anything you wish you had known earlier in your career?

CH: Keep making!

From Charity’s class, “Painting Nature in Enamel”

Upcoming Class with Charity

Painting Nature in Enamel

February 9-14, 2025

Explore the colorful art of painting natural forms in enamel using powdered glass and copper. Try your hand at a variety of approaches to painting imagery and apply those techniques to projects ranging from jewelry to small bowls or tiles. No painting or enameling experience is necessary, but a steady hand is required.

About Charity Hall

Charity Hall is an enamelist and metalsmith who creates biologically-inspired artwork. She shares her passion for metal and enamel through teaching a variety of workshops. Charity’s work is shown at the Metal Museum and is also featured in the books: “500 Enameled Objects: A Celebration of Color on Metal,” “Humor in Craft,” and “New Rings: 500+ Designs from Around the World.” www.charityhall.com

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