Course Description
The various metal-forming processes, which include forging, raising, and fabrication as they relate to hollowware, flatware, and functional objects. Technical expertise and the understanding of the properties of metal will be developed while exploring form and function.
Athena Title
Moving Metal Cups Spoons Obj
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Expected learning outcomes include the ability to distinguish safe and appropriate procedures and practices utilized in the metalsmithing and jewelry studios; identify specialty tools and processes; analyze/evaluate 3-D designs and technical problems in metal; and devise a course of action, retain intermediate level techniques to create well crafted, metal objects from non- ferrous materials. The course will emphasize the connection to traditional and contemporary craft and art practices/movements and will frame these within the arena of current and historical material culture. Techniques are taught through skill-based exercises with emphasis on conceptual development, technical proficiency, and critical analysis. Projects actively engage 2-D and 3-D design skills, processes, and appreciation for metalwork, jewelry, and related material topics, and the ability to use the materials and the body as a means of self-expression with the potential to explore rhetorical, ethical, and systematic methods of inquiry. Slide lectures, classroom discussions, readings, and quizzes will expose the students to the historical, technical, and contemporary aspects relating to metalwork, the art of jewelry making, and related material concepts. Students are expected to problem-solve assignment topics individually and as a group and present their work within the context of historical and contemporary media-specific practices. Each student will be expected to adapt and analyze the topic of each assignment and present the research and completed work orally as well as through various modes and media which may include writing, digital/web-based platforms, video, photography, and traditional modes of design rendering. Students will be expected to engage other students' work with dialogue that is stylistically appropriate and mature. During critiques students will learn to communicate via academic and professional contexts, supporting a consistent purpose and point of view while considering and engaging opposing points of view. Students will be required to analytically translate inferences within each work being discussed, developing subtleties of symbolic and indirect discourse. Students are provided with all tools/equipment necessary for this course and are encouraged to blend the experiential course content with digital applications.
Topical Outline
This course will address contemporary/historical material culture, emphasizing concepts and ideas within the arena of metalwork, jewelry, and objects with relationship to art/craft- based practices. It is designed to introduce students to hands- on techniques and conceptual topics associated with forging, raising, and metal fabrication as they relate to hollowware, flatware, and the functional objects. Techniques will include forging, raising, metal fabrication, and exercises which build on learning outcomes of Jewelry and Metals: Design and Construction, introduce new metalwork- specific hand tools, equipment, and safety, while also employing the use of 2-D and 3-D design layout, material manipulation, translation, and meaning. Lectures and in-class discussions will engage critical discourse revolving around topics such as material culture, the body and objecthood. This course will introduce a wide range of practitioners and modes of visual dialogue spanning from the fine arts, crafts, design and new media. Class time will be divided between lectures, discussions, lab work, and critiques.
Syllabus