Time Schedule:
Peter Rowe
ART 357
Seattle Campus
Variable topics, introducing concepts that cross traditional studio definitions and address interdisciplinary approaches to artistic investigation. Topics include textile/metal processes, printmaking/metal processes, color and metal, chemical, electrical, and mechanical processes in sculpture.
Class description
The course is intended to increase skills of proper craftsmanship and the proper use of traditional tools and techniques,and to build an understand of such areas as basic stone setting techniques and precision fabrication methods needed for production of jewelry at a professional level of competency, along with a range of those rarely documented professional "tricks" of the trade that make the work easier, better and quicker. Many professionals in the jewelry industry note that while art school jewelry graduates are highly creative, many of them sometimes lack certain basic bench skills needed for their success within the industry. This course will address a number of the common deficits in this regard, as well as more advanced areas. Also, as time and student interest allow, the possibility exists of field trips to commercial jewelry manufacturers, allowing an introduction to newer commercial technologies and practices.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Technical demonstrations and short lectures, followed by practice first with various specifically assigned practice projects designed to build skills, leading to the design and fabrication of finished work of the students design, probably incorporating the setting of gemstones.
Recommended preparation
Basic/beginning metals course (Art 258) with introduction to basic skills and soldering techniques. Reasonably good eyesight and manual dexterity is helpful :-)
Class assignments and grading
Classwork and technical assignments will first consist of specific short technical excercises, later becoming more finished and complex work. Students will be asked to research commercially made jewelry to examine its construction and technical aspects as well. Class handouts will comprise most reading, with additional reading suggested if needed, but most of the class will be practical hands on work.
Class participation and exploration of the subject matter as well as on finished projects. Assessment is made on overall participation and progress rather than as an average of individually graded assignments.
