American Ceramics & Ceramic National Exhibition Archive

Gender

Male

Nationality

American

Life Dates

1910 - 1992

Biography

Ellamarie and Jackson Woolley experimented with enameling at a time when no formal training was available; therefore, becoming self-taught artists. Through trial and error the team moved from basic enameling on copper to a wide variety of techniques including dry inlay, sgraffito (scratching the surface,) repousse (raised patterning), hammered, crushed and patinated copper. Together, the artists created impressive murals by firing maximum kiln-size pieces that were then fitted together in a truly impressive achievement not only because of the size of the works, but for the detail and precision of the design. By exhibiting in a major national exhibitions and galleries with such experimental work, the couple aroused attention and increased appreciation for enameling. Their collective work was commissioned by individual patrons and the city of San Diego for interior and exterior public murals.