Inspired by bones and insects
- Ulla makes artworks that combine enamelling with copper
- She makes large-scale works as well as hand-held pieces
- In her making process, the design leads the choice of techniques
Ulla Huttunen’s first love was not enamel but copper, which she explored extensively during her studies as metalsmith. Her first encounter with enamel came when she stumbled upon an enamelling gallery in London in 1996 and made some decisive connections with the British Society of Enamellers. Ever since then, Ulla has perfected her technique which consists of melting enamel on top of copper while the piece is in a kiln reaching a temperature of up to 1 100°C. "Being a metalsmith helps in mastering this process," says Ulla. Her works made of enamel on copper and her choice of colours are out of the ordinary, in Finland and on a global scale. What is more, the themes of Ulla's work revolve around human anatomy, bones and insects. "To me, all of these represent the fascination and mystery that only life and nature can offer," she says.
INTERVIEW
As a motif, I often use human anatomy as well as insects. A human body is a marvellous entity, a splendid set of bones, so to speak. And without insects there would be no humans, which is part of my fascination for the world of insects.
I write down my ideas in sketchbooks, but, often, once I get down to work my subconsciousness starts steering me. First comes the theme of my piece, after which I choose the technique to use. Often, I mix different enamelling techniques and play with colours.
You live and learn. Technical failures over the years have taught me a lot. I first graduated as a metalsmith. Those skills are still useful in my current work. It was during my studies that a goldsmith introduced me to enamelling. I was fortunate enough to be able to develop a practice in that field.
In 1996, while on holiday in London, I happened upon an enamelling gallery and consequently got to know the British Society of Enamellers and the Guild of Enamellers. I have attended several of their conferences over the years. Without that holiday discovery I would not have become an enameller.
