“ An image reflected in a mirror, a rainbow

in the sky, and a painted scene

Make their impression upon the mind, but in

Essence are other than what they seem

Look deeply at the world, and see an illusion,

a magician’s dream”

THE SEVENTH DALAI LAMA: “Song of the Immaculate Path”

The technique I use is called Eglomisé. It is a very ancient technique, going back to Roman times, known to the anciant Chinese and Indians (India), but its name is derived from that of a well known 18th century picture framer named Glomy who employed the method extensively.

Typically, it refers to glass decorated on the back by unfired paint or gilding.

I have combined the two, paint and gold, to create images of the purest light and color.

The glass is a smooth and very permanent support for reversed painting (oils) backed with gold leaf. Multiple layers of ever changing hues allow the gold to catch the light and sparkle life into each painting.

My current work is a tangle of patterns, flowers, prints and gold threads.

Sometimes, woven into this web of light and color, jewel like insects animate the compositional tapestry.

These paintings have evolved from images drawn from the circus, mythology and folklore staged as theatrical picture poems.

The motifs and arabesques which once only surrounded and decorated the figures took have developed into an integral part of the composition.

Michèle Coppin