syllabus

Health and Safety Disclosure:

This course and all Metal Arts courses at RISD pose potential health risks to people with dust and chemical allergies, as well as to women who are pregnant.  Please consult your physician with questions as to your particular situation. If you have a medical situation in class, please inform the instructor and your doctor. Students enrolled in Metal Arts courses are expected to abide by safety rules when working in the studio. If a student is not following proper safety regulations, they may be asked to drop the course. 

Emergency Numbers: Police and Fire 911               Off Campus: 401 454-6666       On Campus: Public safety ext:6666

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This introductory metalsmithing and jewelry course blends technical instruction with an investigation of design and concept as it relates to ornament and function.  Students develop confidence and proficiency with the basic skills of forming and fabrication.  Specific techniques that will be covered are raising, forging, finishing of non-ferrous metals, sawing, filing, drilling, sanding, polishing, annealing, planishing and soldering. We will also cover safety in the studio, proper hand-tool care, and the physical properties of metal. It is the goal of this course for students to gain an understanding of metal as a material and a broad understanding of the field of Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Assignments will build on each other and become more challenging throughout the semester.  Each project given will rely on technical, formal and conceptual development. Classroom discussions, demonstrations and visual presentations will focus attention on traditional technical skills, design considerations, and the breadth of this exciting field.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• Build a working vocabulary of how metal can be formed and fabricated through the intrinsic physical characteristics of the material.
• Build a working vocabulary of tool use, selection, maintenance, and safety.
• Become familiar with historical and contemporary hollowware and tableware in order to develop critical thinking skills for the analysis and development of work by self and by others.
• Develop foresight in the construction of larger and more complex objects.
• Develop confidence and diligence in the making process.
• To cultivate an understanding of the expressive content and communicative qualities of metal and metal processes.
• To develop effective manipulation of visual components and structures relative to materials, process with the intent of an overall visual expression.
• To develop technical skills appropriate to the particular concepts and media, concentrating on medium scale hollow forms and construction

COURSE EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Students will be expected to work on studio problems in class and out of class. The work being submitted should reveal creative solutions to the problems assigned. Just turning in the assignment does not guarantee a passing grade.
• Students will be expected to reveal accomplishment and growth in the use of practical skills and techniques in completion of studio problems.
• Pride in craftsmanship and personal investigation is essential.
• Students will be expected to develop standards and criteria for objective evaluation of his or her own work as well as the work of others.
• Students are expected to have an active involvement in class work and in group discussions.
• Students are expected to attend all classes and departmental lectures & critiques.
• Students who miss a class are responsible for all missed information.
• Students must communicate with instructor regarding any performance issues. 
• Each student is expected to come to class with needed tools, drawings and models as required.
• Students are expected to keep an active, ongoing sketchbook for journal entries, visual notations, along with project ideas & studies.
• Students should plan their time wisely. Solutions should be realistic & planned in relation to each projects time frame.
• Students are expected to follow all studio rules laid out by the instructor and the department tech.
• Cell Phones, food and music are unacceptable during active class-time

Research:

Each student will be required to be actively involved in individual research with each project. This may include drawings, readings, models/ maquettes, written work and contemporary and historical research to further their ideas and help give context to the work produced. All forms of research should be used.  This includes but is not limited to Pinterest, Tumblr, Flickr, Facebook, Instagram, scrapbook, sketchbooks, Magazines, etc.

BE RESPONSIBLE:

You are expected to bring all necessary materials for each day’s assignment.  You are expected to be in class on time, stay the full time, and make the most of the class time for completing your work.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and be prepared for the following class. Get to know your neighbors (phone #’s); use each other!  Call your friends!  If you need my assistance catching up on materials missed, you must meet with me outside of class.  I will not spend class time going over missed material.

ATTENDENCE:

Attendance is mandatory.  Not only is this common courtesy, but missing a class, being late, unprepared, etc. affects your performance and my ability to conduct class and help others at the most effective level.  Only 1 absence will be excused.  Any additional absences will lower your final grade by HALF of one letter grade for each additional absence. You may work off an absence by: writing a 2-page analysis/ reaction to a show/visiting artist lecture. This is an academic and research based essay so it should be written as such with adequate importance placed upon content, structure, spelling and grammar.  This paper will be accepted no later than two weeks before the final class day.

SKETCHBOOK:

A sketchbook is required for a coherent documentation of the verbal descriptions of ideas, preparatory drawings, photocopies of source material such as art, design, nature, etc. At the end of each class, entries will be made in the sketchbooks recording problems, questions, progress and short-term goals.  The sketchbook will be reviewed during the second to last week of classes. Project evaluations and handouts should be kept as well. In summary, reflective and analytical text, several small drawings and at least three photocopies are expected for each project. The sketchbook is almost a loose project planner. Taking small notes and doing doodles in the corners is actually a good thing here. Add anything you feel helps you solve problems with your projects. The sketchbook will be averaged in with any quizzes to become another project grade. A minimum of 50 pages is required OR if in digital format such as a blog you must have at least 50 posts. If a student turns in a sketchbook with less than 50 pages they may receive a failing mark. Any medium may be used for sketches.  Recommended sketching tools are watercolor, gauche, pencil, acrylic and water based inks. All blog links must be emailed to me by the second day of class.

CRITIQUES: 

Critiques will be held at the end of each project.  If a student misses a critique (unexcused), there is a 40% reduction on that particular project. Late work will be reduced one letter grade. Late projects are due within one class period following the project due-date, except the final project, which is graded only on the due-date. You may resubmit a project (except the final project) to improve your grade to a maximum of a B+. Resubmitted work is due one week after grades are returned. Be aware, turning in projects late or resubmitting them often compromises work on the next project.

REQUIRED SUPPLIES:

Department outfitted toolboxes: If you have your own tools, you may use them.  A list will be provided with all necessary tools and you are expected to purchase what is missing. Metals and supplies that are needed throughout the semester are available for purchase at the Metcalf store.  You may also bring your own materials with the exception of lead and unidentified chemicals.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES:

Please bring to class the following: rags or towel for drying, apron, safety glasses and ear protection, hair ties for long hair, Band-Aids, fine-tipped permanent magic marker, xacto knife or scissors, paper, tape, writing implements, circle template, compass, ruler, sketchbook, metal, wire solder. Personal metal tools etc. These and/or related items can be purchased online or at the RISD 3D supply store.

PLEASE NOTE:

Jeweler's saw blades are not readily available at hardware stores. They are sometimes available at special hobby stores and model-train suppliers. Not everyone carries them.  You can order saw blades and silver and solder by mail, OR source them locally. Do NOT buy solder at the hardware store-this is not the same kind we use in the metals studio and it can be a health hazard in a shared space.

Often you will have the opportunity to use the school's tools. These tools are designed specifically for processes we will cover in class. You are responsible for maintaining these tools in excellent condition or better.  At the end of every session they must be returned in perfect order.  Any items damaged through miss-use must be repaired/replaced prior to the final critique.  If tools are damaged or missing at that time, your grades will be encumbered, until you make repairs or replacements.

Please do not use the tools for things other than metalsmithing and jewelry-making. Please keep the tools dry and free from rust and scratches. Be nice to your tools, and they will be nice to you.

GRADING:

Projects will be assessed by these criteria - technical accomplishment, sophistication of concept, idea engagement, problem-solving, demonstration of research, timely completion of well-executed samples.

 

Technically, each project is equal to 20% of your grade (three projects and sketchbook, four total =80%). The last 20% is determined by your commitment to in-class work, your demonstrated interest in the subject, enthusiasm, and degree of artistic experimentation. Other factors include the quality of your samples and sketchbook, timely completion of projects, and attendance record.

Late projects or incomplete projects will receive reduced grades. Unfinished work will not be critiqued. A grade of Incomplete will only be awarded on the basis of circumstances delineated in the App State student handbook.  Please refer to that document for further information regarding Incomplete grades.

GRADE BREAKDOWN:

A

Clear and complete understanding of the concepts introduced by the assignment. Creative and individual application of these concepts in problem solving. Sensitive use of materials and tools Extensive participation in class discussion and critiques.  Good work habits. 

B

Good understanding of the concepts introduced by the assignment. Creative and individual application of these concepts in problem solving. Good use of materials and tools Participation in class discussions and critiques.  Good work habits. 

C

Average understanding of the concepts introduced by the assignment. Average application of these concepts in problem solving. Some understanding of materials and tools.  Limited participation in class discussions and critiques.  Average work habits.

D or F

Incomplete understanding of the concepts introduced by the problem. Poor application of these concepts in problem solving.  Poor use of materials and tools. Little or no class participation.

A = 90-100%, B = 80-90%, C = 70-80%, D = 60-70%,  F = below 59%

STUDIO MAINTENANCE:

You are expected to clean up after yourself during and at the end of each class, or work session. Please respect the work of others. The mess you leave on the tabletop surface will affect the next person who works in your space. I will give specific instructions on how to clean up after each medium. Some of the techniques necessary for this course are, or can be, dangerous. It is very important to keep the studio environment as clean as possible to lessen the potential for accidents. Cleanliness and safety will play a very crucial role in this course, so you will constantly be looking out for yourself, and others. As part of this class, there will be a mandatory clean up day during exam week

SAFETY: 

As mentioned above, some of the materials and techniques we will be covering in this course are dangerous.  I will be covering the potential risks involved as the need arises.  You are expected to wear the necessary protection and take the necessary precautions to avoid injury and/or health hazards.  Every student MUST USE safety glasses, a dust-mask, and hearing protection (which will be issued to you).  Please refer to additional policies that apply to the art dept. concerning safety on the “Student Health and Safety Information” sheet provided by the department technician.

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS:

“The Complete Metalsmith” By: Tim McCreight

“Professional Goldsmithing” By: Alan Revere

“Silversmithing” By: Rupert Finegold and William Seitz

“Jewelry Concepts and Technology” By: Oppi Untracht

“Forms in Metal” By: Hekki Seppa

OTHER RESOURCES:

CONTENTI        (online orders, tools, metals etc, local pickup same day)

515 Narragansett Park Drive, Pawtucket, RI 02861              (800) 343-3364            www.contenti.com

OTTO FREI       (online orders, tools, metals etc)

126 2nd Street Oakland, California 94607                (800) 772-3456                       www.ottofrei.com

RIO GRANDE   (online orders, tools, metals etc)

7500 Bluewater Rd NW Albuquerque, NM 87121    (800) 545-6566                       www.riogrande.com