By DARLA MCCAMMON
Lakeland Art Association

PIERCETON — Last week we talked about the American Gothic painting and the cameo that artist Grant Wood included for his model to wear in his iconic work. Cameos have found favor throughout history, traditionally worn by women, but also adorning men. The origins of these intricate carvings can be traced back to ancient times.

Cameos usually feature a raised image. The oldest method used a semi-precious gem such as agate or onyx in which two contrasting colors met within the stone. The Renaissance African King is an example.

The work was created by carving away parts of one color and leaving the second color to stand in relief against the first. This hand-cut method is much more difficult (and more valuable) than the method used today in which a process of bonding two layers, one flat, and one raised, together. Some dyes are also used to accent these modern pieces.

Cameos are also carved in seashells. Queen Victoria of England began that tradition during the Renaissance, sometime during the 15th and 16th centuries and the most common subject was the profile of beautiful women.

These cameos are white on gray. Tropical cowry shells and mussels were used for these carvings. Queen conch shells from the Bahamas were discovered and were used as very popular souvenirs beginning around 1850 as the middle class began enjoying the cameo jewelry.

Today many cameos are produced using machines to copy a master design made by a skilled artist. Appraisers know how to recognize a hand carved cameo from one cut by an ultrasonic mill machine, the former of course, having more value.

Pope Paul II supported Queen Victoria’s penchant for cameos during the Renaissance becoming an avid collector of cameos himself. It is said his excessive display of all the carved cameo gemstones on his fingers caused him to have cold hands that caused the chill than turned into his death!

If you are ever in Torre Del Greco, Italy, you may tour the world center for cameo carving.

Upcoming and Current Events:

• Rucel Martinez exhibit ends July 22 at Warsaw City Hall Gallery located at Market and Center Streets.
• July 26, David Slonim Exhibit ends at Honeywell Clark Art Gallery.
• June 30 Andy Corp, poured acrylic exhibit at LAA with a reception Sunday, July 5 from 1-3pm
• July is the month to enter the August Agricultural Art Show at the Heirloom Tomato Festival in Pierceton. Take entries to LAA Gallery by 4:30 pm Aug 1. Entry fee $5 per entry.
• August program at LAA will be a demonstration by Robert Hudson—painting mountains.

Adult and children workshops always available. Call LAA at (574) 594-9950 for information.

LAA is located at 107 N. First St. Pierceton, IN 46562 or www.lakelandartassociation.org, Also on Facebook.

Contact your author/artist Darla at [email protected] any time you have comments or questions.