Mjman

Ruth Ball

Website - www.ruthballdesign.co.uk

Blog -www.ruthballenamel.blogspot.com

Email - ruth@ruthballdesign.co.uk

Ruth Ball, designer enameller, utilises the fusion of glass on metal to produce a diverse collection of products, ranging in scale from contemporary enamelled jewellery and bespoke objects to larger wall based artworks. Pieces are made as “one-offs" or in small batches as limited editions. Influences and inspiration for collections are unique responses to the many different facets of the world, and can vary from the exploration of architectural features, to diatoms & water, textiles, winter landscapes and seasonal changes, ... in fact anything that catches her eye.

Ruth exhibits in gallery outlets and various national / international exhibitions. Locally her work is stocked at the Bluecoat Display Centre. Commissions are welcomed.

Background

I am an experienced self-employed designer maker. Specialising in vitreous enamel as a media I produce a variety of products ranging from contemporary jewellery and fine objects to wall based artwork.

Experience

Designer Maker: I design and make enamels for gallery exhibitions / sales and exhibit my work nationally and internationally. My work is stocked at the Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool and Studio Fusion, London. (Exhibition list available on request or viewable via my website)

Outworker

I provide an enamelling service in a range of techniques for jewellery and small works including champleve / cloisonne and painted enamel minatures. In addition to this I now also offer enamels for private/public artwork installation. I regularly work with small manufactures as an outworker, offering a bespoke provision. I work to tight deadlines often turning work out at urgent request to a high specification.

Lecturer

I have taught a variety of art & design subjects at FE and HE across all post 16 levels from entry level / community out reach groups to BA Hons courses, via part time post held at Southport College and the University of Central Lancashire between 1995 – 2005. I currently teach freelance, my most recent events being held at Manchester College, the Guild of Enamellers Conference in York, and a BSOE Workshop in Shrewsbury.

Membership

I am a full member of the British Society of Enamellers (BSOE) & Merseyside Jewellers & Metal Artist Network. Between 2003 – 2008 I was secretary for the BSOE. I have worked with both organisations in the setting up of exhibitions. Notably, in 2007/08 I helped the Finnish enameller Ulla Huttunen co-ordinate a touring exhibition of British Enamels to prestigious galleries in Finland.

Next projects

The Walker Gallery

In 2004 I worked with the Walker on an educational project and I am currently working on an assignment with them designing and making a display of contemporary enamels for the Craft & Design gallery showcase. Open in October 2009, till late 2010.

Large Scale Work:

In September 2009 I will be training at A.J. Wells, a large scale enamelling factory, with the aim of producing large enamel panels as public and private artworks / installations.

Qualifications

2008/9 – Web Site Design, City & Guilds Level 2 – Pass – Southport College

1999 / 2000 - GCSE Computer Graphic Design – Grade A - Southport College

1996/7 - 740 City & Guilds Certificate in Continuing Professional Development - Liverpool Community College

1994/5 - 730 City & Guilds Further & Adult Education Teacher’s Certificate Southport College

1983 / 1987 - BA Hon’s Jewellery Design – Grade 2:1 - Middlesex University London

1986 - College Placement with Alan Mudd & Keith Seldon Partnership. Enamellers & Engravers. London.

1986 - College placement - worked with the props department of the BBC Re: Eastenders programme.

1981/ 3 - DATEC Diploma General Art & Design. Merit with distinction in final projects. Southport College

Additional Info

2008/9 I am currently undertaking study on courses and practice sessions using print facilities at the Bluecoat in Liverpool.

1998 – 2008 I have regularly attended various short courses and conferences in enamel related subjects. (Separate list available on request or viewable via my web site)

Publications

2006 Author of “J.H. Enamelling” for A & C Black, London.

2002 "How to" article featured on an online enamel magazine hosted by Allan Heywood Australia.

2002 Featured in " Enamelling on Precious Metals" by Jeanne Werge Hartley. The Crowood Press.

2001 The Walker Art Gallery Liverpool. I worked with the gallery staff, demonstrating enamel techniques and producing samples for exhibition display. Images are now on permanent video display in The Craft & Design Gallery.