by Alexandra Edwards

In the past this page has featured some very talented and extraordinary local artists. Meeting with them is always a fascinating experience as the artistic temperament usually has some unique way of expressing itself. As most artists work is created in a small side street studio or shop, their talents may often go unnoticed by the general consumer. Except for the odd art exhibition, show or a little media attention, the works of an artist get little exposure, which is why many find it hard to make a living. Imagine then what an honor it would be for a local artist to receive an order for his work for a very important person.

For the past seven years Avery McNeese at his studio/shop Eager Beader on Clingan Ridge Road, Cleveland, Tennessee, has been creating different types of art work as well as handcrafting beads and jewelry. He does sculptures, oil painting, watercolors and also carves delicately lifelike portrait cameo's in the form of pendants, pins or framed renditions.

In January of this year, McNeese' cameos impressed a local visitor to the studio. This visitor happened to know some people that were particularly looking for a cameo to present to former British Prime Minister, Baroness Margaret Thatcher as she celebrates her 81st  birthday this  October. These Thatcher enthusiasts with ties  to Thatcher's office had been looking for the perfect cameo for some time in Europe but the cost was too high.

McNeese considers his cameos as miniature portraits that have a three-dimensional effect rather than the typical flat rendition on 2 layered rock or shell. Inspired by a story on the craft of cameo carving which appeared on the Antiques Road Show, McNeese, who had some previous experience restoring damaged pieces, decided to give it a try. Later a customer who had requested he paint a watercolor family portrait opted for a cameo because it would be less expensive.

From a photograph of the subject, McNeese, using self made tools, hand carves the portrait on wax. A porcelain mold is then made and fired in the kiln at 2350 degrees for 12 hours. He usually makes 10 to 12 copies. By using a variety of cut down dental tools he is able to reach into every recess of these very delicate little pieces.

"Just the carving takes 25-30 hours but I have spent 3 times that, if not more on Thatcher's piece because I really want to make a favorable impression and hopefully reach out to collectors," said McNeese, who has so far made 33 different cameos for local customers, some ordering as many as 30 copies for family members. He said that after doing a little research on the internet, he found that in 1984-5 the porcelain maker Wedgewood, did a cameo of Mrs.Thatcher that he proudly claims is not as intricate and lifelike as the one he is presently working on.  McNeese hopes that the management of Wedgewood will get to compare the pieces.

The ongoing Thatcher project will be a base cameo (not tinted) on pendant and framed in 14 karat gold. It will be presented in a hand made fitted oak box. The outside cover of the box will bear the hand carved porcelain crest depicting the  motto of the Order of the Garter. The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior British Order of Chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348. The Order, consisting of the monarch and twenty-five knights, honor those who have held high public office, who have contributed in a particular way to British life or who have served the Sovereign personally. The motto reads "Honi soit qui mal y pense," which translated from Latin means "Shame on him who thinks this evil."

On completion of the cameo McNeese will paint an oil painting impressionism from the original photograph of  Margaret Thatcher used to make the cameo and a miniature print of the painting will go inside the presentation box with the cameo.

It is not often an artist is recognized internationally for his work and given an opportunity such as this. Who knows, this could possibly escalate; after hearing about Mrs. Thatcher's cameo portrait, the present prime minister of England may want one made of his wife, and once Queen Elizabeth hears about that, she will also want one. Maybe First Lady Laura Bush should get her order in before the rush. If they do, they can be assured they will be commissioning one of the finest cameos the world has to offer.

To see more of the wonderful Avery McNeese cameos visit:
www.portraits-della-porcellana.com
.