Art Metals 

Overview

This class will introduce you to basic metalsmithing techniques and concepts. We will focus on the design and construction of jewelry (or other small metal objects if you prefer). Through a series of hands-on exercises, projects and interactions with the instructor and peers, you will develop an appreciation for different aspects of metalsmithing, including:

• The value of an object: monetary, social and sentimental

• Skills and craftsmanship required to create hand-made objects

• Implications of handcraft vs. mass-production in our current world

You are encouraged to develop a growth mindset during this learning journey. Some skills can have a steep learning curve initially. Through continuous practices you will gradually build confidence and learn to evaluate your own craftsmanship. I hope this class will pique your interest to explore and pursue this art form further.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in basic metalsmithing fabrication techniques, including:

   • Sawing

   • Piercing

   • Texturing

   • Soldering

   • Planishing

   • Finishing, such as filing, sanding and patina  

   • Bezel-Setting

2. Understand and appreciate the value of hand-made objects

3. Explain to a friend how a simple metal object is constructed, including the time and skills involved

Group Agreements

As a participant in this class, I agree to:

1. avoid sharing this site with people outside of this class.

2. be a co-learner and refrain from instructing other students on how to perform a new task or use a new equipment (not shown during class demos), even if you had previous metalsmithing experience.

3. consider new approaches demonstrated by or feedback from instructor unless you explicitly opt out of course participation. If you're a returning student here using the studio to work on your own projects, please let me know. 

4. be thoughtful when occupying air space during class time, and limit stories to 1 minute max especially during class demos. 

5. keep side conversations at the minimum during demos.  

6. start packing/cleaning up at around 8:45-8:50pm so everyone can be out of the classroom by 9pm. Demos will start at 6pm and in every class period. You will have at least 1.5 to 2 hours of work time each week.

7. share the cleaning duties by putting shared tools back to where they belong at the end of every class period, and participate in the final studio clean-up during last class period.

8. tie long hair back at all time and wear safety goggles, especially when soldering and using rotary tools. Safety First! 

9. keep chatting at the lowest volume possible during class demos, if you're a returning student using the studio space independently.

Communications, timeline & Teaching philosophy

• Embrace mistakes. This is how we learn! Everyone will accidentally melt silver at least once in their lifetime. Laugh and learn and try again. 

• I generally communicate via emails. If urgent, I will send a group text. Let me know if you have any concerns or issues.

• There will be an informal mid-course eval so I can get feedback sooner. Reach out anytime though if you have suggestions or requests for me. 

• I usually arrive at the classroom about 10 minutes prior to start time. Will send group text if stranded in traffic.

• Much of the LAST class day will be devoted to studio cleaning. Try and have all your projects done before that date.