“I’m a Rainbow stuck in the dark ages, as far as computers are concerned – but I can assure you I am getting better in 2020.”
Oenone (ee-no-nee) specializes in copper artwork. Using etching, patination and sculpture techniques that she has perfected during her 25 year professional career, Oenone produces flat, wall-hung, and 3D sculptures that combine a realistic but quirky take on animal and coastal themes.
Oenone discovered her passion for metalwork while taking her degree in Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University. An elective in the subject, in which she experimented with copper, brass, and aluminium, convinced her and her tutors that her future lay in metal. She pursued her love by learning welding techniques in the holidays with her Uncle, a classic car enthusiast. Her father, recognising that embroidery and millinery was not enough to satisfy his daughter, bought her a MIG welder for her 21st! (Subsequent birthday presents have included oxyacetylene and propane welding kits, and an ex-army anvil!!). This led to an MA in Metal and an enduring love for copper, in particular, a metal to which Oenone employs her textual understanding to produce a distinctive, tactile quality to her work.
Ten years ago after doing a great one day jewellery course with the lovely Janet Richardson, Oenone’s curiosity with making jewellery began. Since then she has done various courses with Janet and gained the confidence to work at home on her designs.
Also over the last five years her passion for embroidery has re-emerged into her work, regaining the use of colour within it, and that has spread into her headpieces too.