Artist Statement
Erin Brown has always had a crafty side. She used her creativity to excel in school and obtain a Bachelors of Science in Education. While teaching, she rediscovered her love of creating beautiful jewelry.
For Erin, creating jewelry has gone from a hobby to art. She started seriously creating jewelry when she moved to North Carolina in 2008. When her son was born, she got the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom and create even more seriously. She has taken classes at Ornamentea and studied under Lillian Jones. Erin is also a member of the Enamelists Society.
Erin’s goal in creating beautiful jewelry is to connect with the wearer in a beautiful way. Her inspiration comes from the natural world. Erin uses no apprentices and her hands create all her pieces. Sterling and fine silver is used as well as a variety of stones and non-leaded enamels.
"Love of beauty is Taste. The Creation of beauty is Art" -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Artist Bio
Erin Brown was a girl born to a middle class family in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother a Certified Nurse Midwife, and her father a high school biology teacher. While participating in the swim team and excelling at the clarinet in high school, Erin desperately wanted to spread her wings beyond suburbia. Though she didn't get very far, she gained many life experiences.
Erin Brown was a girl born to a middle class family in Cleveland, Ohio. Her mother a Certified Nurse Midwife, and her father a high school biology teacher. While participating in the swim team and excelling at the clarinet in high school, Erin desperately wanted to spread her wings beyond suburbia. Though she didn't get very far, she gained many life experiences.
Erin attended Youngstown State University where she acquired a Bachelor's in Education. After graduating Summa Cum Laude, she put her creativity and love of children to work in South Florida. For three years, she taught 3rd grade in Fort Lauderdale. After meeting her now husband, they were moved to Raleigh, North Carolina for his job. In moving to Raleigh, Erin rediscovered her long lost love of jewelry making.
Erin has been seriously creating since 2007. In that time, she has learned with ferocity, which can only be described as intense passion. In putting these skills to work, her work has evolved and grown into Erin Brown Designs.
The Process of Cloisonné
I use an ancient enamel technique called cloisonné. This technique dates back to Ancient Egypt. This means that I create compartments, using wire, for the enamel to be placed in. I use sheet fine silver as a base, add cloisonné wire and multiple layers of transparent enamel to create depth and blending of colors. In learning and practicing this technique, I have incorporated the use of silver foil, semiprecious stones, and granulation.
