Decorating with Bovano

Bovano was established in 1952 in the basement of Jim Brower's home. The name Bovano is derived from the first two letters of the last names of Bonsignor, Van Leight and Noden, the three men who bought the company from Brower in 1954. In the early years Bovano specialized in enameled ashtrays but in the early 60's as the health risks of smoking became better-known Bovano reinvented itself and moved to enameled art work used as ornaments for tabletops and wall sculptures. The current Bovano line includes over 400 different designs in themes including floral, birds, butterflies, vegetables, wine, reptiles, and rock art.

Bovano’s primary role in the décor is as an accent piece although there are many pieces that have the commanding presence of a centerpiece. Bovano’s colors range from flaming hot reds to ice cold blues and just about every color and hue in-between. With this wide range of color, texture, and theme, Bovano art can contrast or complement any decor. The depth of the color in a Bovano piece clearly separates it from other artwork or décor elements. Enameled color is built up layer by layer and is light reactive. Bovano is often the contrasting element of your color plan creating a surprise element in your décor. For example Bovano can accent a room with a random butterfly in an unexpected location providing a splash of warm colors in a room with a cool color scheme.

Enameling has been practiced by artists for centuries with some pieces being dated back to the early 5th century B.C. High quality enameled artwork should be jewel-like and with proper care will last for centuries. Bovano’s artwork is more accurately described as “Vitreous Enamel over copper”. Enamel is ground glass applied to copper and then heated until it melts and fuses to the copper. This process allows artists to create the various colors and effects that are unique to enameled art. As the glass fuses to the copper surface it protects the copper and provides a reflective surface for the transparent or translucent colors. Though normally transparent enamel can be opaque in some of the colors or techniques but even in an opaque color it still has a dramatic depth of color that is unique to enamel.

The reflective copper surface of Bovano art changes with the ambient light in the room. You can take decorative advantage of this feature by placing your Bovano art in light-active areas. Light-active areas are those areas that vary in the light source and intensity over the course of the day. Included in this are areas by large windows, patio doors, or areas in the path of the natural light. Light-active areas can also be created by artificial light such as track or feature lighting. Light is an element in Bovano art placement and it can create an exciting and dynamic element in your décor.