Morning Glory - Morning Glory Earrings
Artist: Karen Earl
Materials: Fine Silver, Vitreous Enamel, Sterling Silver, Sterling Silver Ear Wires.
Dimensions: Asymmetrical: Earing 1 - 3/4" W x 2-1/4"L x 1/8" D; Earring 2 - 1" W x 2" L x 1/8" D inches
Fabric Motif: Although morning glories are often considered a weed in the Northwest, in Japan they are carefully cultivated. The word in Japaese, "asagao" means young girl's face in the morning.
Haiku: morning glories
anniversary
of your voicemail
- petro c.k.
About the Work: "White morning glories often appear in my garden, both challenging to control and intriguing me. My fascination grew after seeing vibrant Japanese morning glories on my Yukata fabric, inspiring my Yukata-themed jewelry pieces.
The brooch started from domed copper overlayed with hand-textured silver foil. Glass enamel in different hues was layered on top, firing over fifteen times to achieve color, depth and luminosity. Stylized silver foil details were applied on the final surface, then fired and patinated deep black for contrast.
On the brooch back, fine silver wires were woven to form a blossom motif. The enamel and woven components are framed by an etched sterling silver setting tying together the textile inspiration and metalwork.
My Morning Glory Earrings use the same enamels fired on fine silver disks, with eggplant enameled backs reflecting the Yukata fabric background. Patinated sterling hoop “vines” frame each piece, enhancing the overall harmony of the earrings."
Karen Earl Bio: "Karen enjoyed a long creative career in interior architectural design. As retirement approached, she began exploring metal working at North Seattle College in 2010. Creating jewelry and sculptural vessels allowed her to apply and expand her three-dimensional design skills on a more intimate scale.
When the Covid pandemic began and in-person learning shifted to virtual workshops, Karen redirected her attention toward mastering the art and science of glass enameling. This medium quickly became her central focus and creative passion.
What captivates Karen about enameling is the immense variety of glass colors available and the creative possibilities of using different processes to achieve depth and luminosity within her work. She finds fulfillment in both the technical precision and artistic expression that enamel offers. Karen also embraces the element of surprise that can arise from the unique interactions between metals and minerals present in the glass.
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This piece is part of the Yukata Inspired 2025, a collaborative exhibition between Okan Arts & Danaca Design featuring jewelry and metalwork alongside Haiku from Haiku Northwest. Learn more and view the entire collection HERE.
