Anodized Aluminum ... another way to add color!

I forgot how much I enjoy visiting the blog of Maria Whetman.  I first became familiar with Maria's work when she joined the Painting with Fire Ning.  She's the real deal!  Her work is not only amazing, but her career as an educator spills over onto the pages of her blog.  It's like taking a workshop at no expense!  

What I stumbled upon recently on Maria's blog was an article about anodized aluminum. About 15 years ago I was introduced to this stuff at a class I was taking with Nick Barnes at the Art League School in Alexandria, VA.  The class focused on cold connections. I worked with this colorful metal for for a year or two but strayed.  But, I have a renewed interest!  Some of you know this colorful metal from the wonderful work of Kerry Bogert.  Yeah, that's the stuff we're talkin' about!  

Maria's blog profiled a recent workshop with visiting artist Lindsey Mann, which was hosted by Plymouth College of Art, where Maria teaches jewelry and silversmithing.  After seeing Lindsey's work, I knew I had to buy her book!  It arrived today and is amazing!  Absolutely!  

Lindsey's Book

One of the things that Maria points out in her blog post is that you can buy sheets of anodized aluminum.  This means that you don't need to create the colored aluminum but can get started right away with the decorating!  Now, remember, I just got the book so I'm not giving a review here, but there are some very unique projects in the book that inspire the imagination.  Some of the things that Lindsey covers is silk screening, roller printing, texturizing, stamping, etc.  

If you've hesitated to try torch-fired enamel, anodized aluminum might be a fun alternative! I know I'll be digging out my anodized aluminum from it's hiding spot! 

But just for fun, let me ask you, do you have any experience with anodized aluminum?  Does it appeal to you?  What do you think about the intensity of the color? Looking forward to hearing from you!