Artist's Statement from Maria Santos Alcantara
"Using repousee and chase techniques, I form pewter sheet into a variety of objects such as brooches, pendants, photo frames, decorative panels, mirrors, small boxes, jewellery I use a combination of different materials such as enamels, glass and semi precious stones on wood, aluminium or silver as a base structure. Some of my commissioned work is for large mirrors with decorative pewter surrounds. No two pieces are exactly alike as no casting or pressing is involved. Each piece has been worked individually from my own designs.
Pewter and Silver foil are a relatively new innovation and its malleability enables quite intricate repousse and chase techniques to be used.
Much of the inspiration for my designs comes from the natural world and the flexibility of pewter enables me to recreate the beauty of nature in every small detail.
Modern pewter contains no lead and is made up of 91% tin, 1,5% antimony and 7,5% copper.
Pewter has an enduring quality and since it does not oxidise, it requires no other care than an occasional dust.
All copyright and intellectual property rights in the goods and their design are the property of Maria Santos-Alcantara."
Related education
1980 – 1983 Institute Gabriela Mistral. Art & Design Madrid.
Working with pewter and other sheet metals.
May 1997 Pewter Workshop at S. Norwood Arts & Crafts School London. Refresher course in pewter working, tutored by professional maker Mrs Bonnie McKintosh of Slave Labour Ltd. Guildford, Surrey.
April 1998 Enamelling Workshop at Ullswater Community College – Penrith. Refresher course enamelling techniques. Tutored by professional maker Michael Benedict.
September 2000 Stained Glass at Brewery Arts Centre – Kendal.
Tutored by professional maker. Ms. Sarah Sutton.
August 2001 Pewter and Silver Workshop - Madrid. Refresher course in pewter and silver working. Tutored by professional maker. Mrs. Maria Carmen Mora Rubio.
Please bear in mind that the range of stock changes daily, and inclusion of a picture on this site does not mean the item is necessarily in stock.
Guildford House Gallery
155 High Street
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 3AJ
Tel: 01483 444740
Email: guildfordhouse@guildford.gov.uk