Describe your work: I make one-of-a-kind jewelry, objects, and sculpture inspired by the post-industrial landscape of Western Pennsylvania. I work mostly with steel, copper, and enamel, but I also fabricate silver components for my functional jewelry.
What is your background and training? I started taking metals and enameling classes in the 10th grade at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville,
SC! I was hooked right away, and went on to earn a BFA from Winthrop University in 1999 and an MFA from East Carolina University in 2006.
What are you working on in your studio now? I am making new work for several exhibitions I have been invited to participate in, including a group show in Tallinn, Estonia, and a teapot show in Pittsburgh.
Tell us about your process: I’m currently doing a lot of experimental champlevé. I’m etching, forming, and adding enamel in the recesses. My process changes every few years, as I work through one idea and move on to another.
Do you experiment a lot? YES! Most of my work involves some aspect of experimentation. I have always enjoyed material research, and I often spend a lot of time working through an experimental phase before I figure out the best approach.
Describe your teaching style: I’m very open with sharing my techniques and the process involved to arrive at them, but I also encourage my students to experiment, take a risk, or break the rules to try and find their own unique approach.
What most inspires you? Unfortunately, I’ve been so busy lately that I’m mostly inspired by deadlines.
Who are your favorite artists/enamelists? There are too many to name! I love the work of Hanna Hedman, Henriette Schuster, Carina Shostary, David Bielander, Vera Siemund, Mallory Weston, Rebecca Hannon, Kim Buck, Danni Schwaag, Nils Hint, Marc Monzo, Mirjam Hiller, and so many more.
What is your dream project? I’m not sure–I haven’t haven’t time lately to dream about anything…
Tell us about the workshop you’ll be teaching for ENGE: I’ll begin with the electrolytic etching process, and show several ways to create resists on metal and ways to set up a salt water etching bath. We will etch mild steel sheet, then talk about how to work with steel. Then we will begin the champlevé on steel process, learning how to apply the enamel, how to fire it, and how to finish the surface.
Sharon Massey is an Assistant Professor of Jewelry and Metals at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). In 2016 she was the only American chosen to exhibit in the 25th Legnica International Jewelry Competition in Legnica, Poland. Her jewelry was selected for both Schmuck 2014 and Schmuck 2015 in Munich, Germany. From 2012 to 2015 Sharon served on the board of directors of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG). In 2009 she received the Art Jewelry Forum (AJF) Emerging Artist Award and was included in Lucca Preziosa Young. Images of her jewelry have been published in eight books, including The Art of Enameling and Art Jewelry Today 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Editions. Sharon’s work is included in the collection of the Racine Art Museum in Racine, Wisconsin, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. She received her BFA from Winthrop University in 1999 and her MFA from East Carolina University in 2006. After living in Pittsburgh for 5 years, she now lives in a renovated commercial structure in Homer City, PA with her husband and their dogs.
Sharon Massey | artist | jeweler | metalsmith
assistant professor of jewelry & metals, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
www.sharon-massey.com