Dragon Plate after William de Morgan c.1890 (1 3/4" d) by Lee-Ann Chellis Wessel
In the field of miniature ceramics, Lee-Ann Chellis Wessel has stood out as one of the best of the best for a very long time. Known primarily for her work in majolica, Lee-Ann is also widely sought out for her reproductions of other great styles and periods of pottery and porcelain production.
Lucky enough to be able to spend large blocks of time in Italy, Lee-Ann makes the most of those opportunities and has spent many hours studying the majolica housed in museums across the country. Her passion for the strikingly colorful pieces is evident in her work, an amazing array of miniature pottery and porcelain that is quickly snapped up by collectors. But, as you will see at the Guild Show this weekend, her expertise extends to other styles, and when asked, she will reply that her favorite is whichever she happens to be working in at the moment. And, it seems that the Arts and Crafts period is currently holding sway.
Madonna col Bambino after Bellini c.1460 (2 3/8" w x 3" h) by Lee-Ann Chellis Wessel
Over the last few years, Lee-Ann has been further developing her painting skills and has begun working in tempera on wooden panels, to replicate, in miniature, of course, the works of the old masters of the Italian Renaissance. The show this weekend will see the debut of some new works, including the painting you see here, as well as a version of St. George and the Dragon she has just finished.
