Art comes in many forms. Oftentimes it hangs on a wall or sits on a table. These days, Deborah Ries (deborahriesart.com) especially enjoys making jewelry. “My favorite medium, at this moment, is copper enamel,” she says. “I really like the idea of wearable art.” 

Ries’ artistic journey began decades ago with a very different kind of wearable art: makeup. As a licensed esthetician, she worked as a makeup artist for numerous cosmetic companies in and around San Francisco and applied makeup for fashion shows at major retailers, including Macy’s and I. Magnin. Her specialty? Blending custom colors. But after a back injury, Ries was unable to continue this career path. Fortunately, her background in color theory led her to explore other artistic mediums.

“While recovering from back surgery, I read a book about the life of Frida Kahlo. Frida overcame a physical injury and became an artist, so I was inspired to [pursue] fine art classes,” Ries explains. “I found several wonderful teachers who let me bring in a special oversized chair and were understanding about the days I had to miss. I first learned to paint with watercolor, then acrylic, and then pastel.”

Ries has deep roots in Placer County. Her grandmother was born in Lincoln in 1900, and Ries grew up in Roseville. After many years living in the Bay Area, she happily returned to the region eight years ago. Now residing in Colfax, her paintings—landscapes, florals, and still lifes—are on display at Persimmon Art Gallery in Auburn. She sells her jewelry through her website and at art festivals and shows throughout the region. When she isn’t busy creating art, she enjoys all the region has to offer, from hiking and kayaking to live music and myriad community activities. She is also involved with several local arts organizations, including Rocklin Fine Arts and the Arts Council of Placer County.

G.G.

Your art is so vibrant! How do you approach color in your pieces?

I pick my color combinations [depending] on the subject matter and the mood I want to convey. I studied advance color theory and have some excellent specialty color wheels that I refer to. Often, I start by picking my ‘pop’ colors and then choose rich, complementary dark and lights hues.

I understand you rediscovered copper enamel after a lengthy hiatus from the medium.

I recently started creating copper enamel jewelry again and am loving it. Up until 10 years ago, I taught copper enamel jewelry classes at a church program for seniors. I have very warm memories of helping this group make copper enamel gifts for their family and friends. 

What is involved in making this type of jewelry?

First, I have a vision of what I want to create. I use both opaque and transparent enamel on my pieces. Usually, I fire several layers. Enameling is a bit like watercolor painting in that you cannot always control the medium, but I like that, because each piece is one-of-a-kind.

My husband cuts most of the rough shapes for my jewelry from scrap copper. I also purchase some blanks precut. I first clean the copper, refine the shapes with an electric rotary filing tool, and make the holes for pendants and earrings. Once the copper is smooth, I apply the enamel (powdered glass). I sometimes use enamel wafer flowers, enamel chunks, or small cylinders of glass. Then I fuse the enamel to the copper in my kiln. Half the pieces I design by ‘scrolling,’ which is using my handheld torch and a scribe during the process. This makes my designs more interesting.

Golden Gate

The Owl Club

Asia

Where do you find your inspiration?

In the beauty of nature. Northern California is so pretty with an abundance of subjects to paint or incorporate into copper enamel. I’m also inspired by beautiful and interesting architecture of different structures. 

What do you hope viewers will experience through your art?

I hope they’ll get excited about art. If they’ve always been interested in being involved with art, I hope they will be inspired to do so now—maybe sign up for their first art class, join a local art group, or visit a local art gallery. I’m always interested in talking to people about getting involved in the arts. 

What’s the best compliment you could get about your art?

Being told my art makes someone feel good. I love it when repeat collectors tell me that seeing one of my paintings on their wall makes them happy. 

by Jennifer Maragoni
Deborah Ries photo by Trenton Branson. Artwork photo courtesy of Deborah Ries.