RISDmetalsmithing: November 2016

Thursday, November 17, 2016

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I found some of my old old old work. I thought you would like to see these pots I raised. This top piece is made out of sterling silver which started out as a ten inch 18 gauge disc. I think I gave this away as a birthday present. Hopefully someone is still enjoying it somewhere. I wish I still had it.

I belong to a number of metalsmithing groups online and ran across this set of photos from a master silver smith. I think it is a great example of what we could do if we had ten-twenty years under our belt. It is still a great step by step example of things to come.

The silversmith's name is Wayne Meeten

http://www.wvmstudio.com/work/vessels/vessels_1.html

Thursday, November 10, 2016

PROJECT #3 Raise a glass/cup

Raise a vessel from a single sheet of metal.
Your starting disc must copper, 18 gauge and should be 6" or smaller in diameter
It must have a lid, a base (feet) or a handle
The sides of your cup should go vertical.
Consider weight, form, contents, contrast, balance and surface

Step one: make a model

Using cardboard/chipboard make a model to determine a height and a profile
Decide what material you will use for your handle.
Sketch out your completed cup.

Step two: do research

When you reach for a drinking vessel what do you reach for? Do you have a favorite mug?What is the perfect amount that a cup can hold?

Visit the museum.

Visit a department store. Pick up a mug/glass/stein/pitcher

Pay attention to the the glasses in the cafeteria, why are they the size they are?

Step three: make models/finalize design decisions

Make samples

Practice fabricating your handle with scrap.

Do your research!!! Ask someone to hold your cup. What is wrong with it?

Ask for input during work in progress crit

Step four: finalize and execute

Execute