Sylvie by Daphne Keskinis

Daphné was born in Paris, France.  Her whole family is involved in the history of art.  Her heritage comes from afar.  Her grandfather was an official portrait artist for presidents, kings and director of “ecole des Beaux Arts”.  His work is represented in numerous museums.  Her mother was a traditional watercolor artist.  At the age of 21, Daphne’ moved to New York to show her artwork in an exclusive gallery.

Daphné started with oils and pastels, but for over 40 years has been enraptured by the medium of enamel.  She studied with an old master, “Maitre Corlin”, who was a friend of Picassco and Braque.  She currently works with oils and enamels from her Studio Gallery in Carefree, Arizona and in South France.  In the inspiration of the new and old world, her subjects are versatile, bringing a force and excitement in panorama of both continents.
Enameling is the colorful result of fusing powdered glass to metal or glass by firing.  The powder melts, flows and hardens to a smooth, durable vitreous coating.  Applied enamel pottery and stone objects date back to the ancient Egyptians.  The French invented the technique of “painting” with a special enamel called “blanc de Limoges” over a dark enameled surface to form a detailed picture, often human figure.  Limoges enamel, made in Limoges, France is the most famous European centre of vitreous enamel production.

When Daphné paints the fused powdered glass to copper, she creates ancient gardens, views of restaurants and cafes, chefs, religious images, and gorgeous bouquets. In the past few years, she has been creating contemporary paneled wall hangings where the flowing colors create emotional movement.  Her enameled fabulous faces seem to speak to you as if they are someone you know.
Daphné  has been oil and enamel painting at the Celebration of Fine Art since 1993.  To see if one of her faces speak to you or to learn more about enamel painting, visit her studio at the Celebration January 16 through March 29, 2010.