Jewelry and Metalsmithing
The Jewelry/Metals program uses concepts and techniques derived from the properties of metal and 3 Dimensional Design. Courses focus on material exploration and the development of ideas in the form of objects and wearable art. Exposure to a broad range of techniques encourages formal experimentation including challenging traditional metal practices and the use of alternative materials. Individual expression is developed as students pursue imagery and content.
Program
Students in ARTA 2081 Beginning Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing practice the techniques of piercing, soldering, stone setting, riveting, sinking, and casting to gain a working knowledge of metal and its properties. Assignments include concepts such as wearability, functionality, and the context of craft in art. Craftsmanship is an essential component of the course and largely determines the success of the work.
As students progress through the program, courses explore additional techniques and the use of metal with alternative materials. Techniques include raising, anti-clastic smithing, enameling, etching, die forming, chasing & repousse, granulation, carving, mold making, mechanisms, and large scale casting. While all students create introductory projects to intermediate techniques, further study derives from individual pursuit. Students can create a body of work around a single technique or combine multiple processes to build forms. Upper level students may use any applicable material, making jewelry, objects, and sculpture regardless of function. The introduction of content begins at the intermediate level andprogresses as students gain knowledge and experience.
The beginning course focuses primarily on construction methods, while the intermediate and advanced level courses decipher the notion of form. All work is expected to have a high level of sophistication, craftsmanship, with significant imagery to convey the artist’s intent. Communication should be achieved through form without the need of supporting statements. Metalsmithing students, upon consultation with the primary faculty and a selected committee, must complete an individual exhibition of their work to receive a Master of Fine Art Degree or Bachelor of Fine Art Degree.
Facility and Equipment Highlights
• Large main studio and a smithing studio
• Soldering, Casting, Pickling, Etching, and Wax working areas with individual ventilation with separate exhaust systems• Graduate Studio Space
• Bonny Doon Hydraulic Press
• Durston Rolling Mill w/ 6” clearance
• 3” Rolling Mill
• Programmable Paragon Burn Out Kiln
• 2 Centrifugal Casting Machines
• Vacuum Machine
• Vulcanizer
• Wax Injector
• Smith Oxy-Acetylene Torch
• Paragon Enameling Kiln
• 5 Soldering Stations with Smith Torches, Mini-Torch
• Electronic Furnace w/ 5lb Crucible
• Precision & Delta Drill Presses
• Delta Ban Saw
• Industrial Disk Sander
• Delta Disk & Belt Sander
• Cutting & Bench Shears 6 Foot Draw Bench
• Sand Blaster
• Etching Hood
• Wax Lathe
• 2 Foredom Flex Shafts, Grinder
• 2 Sets Polishers
• Lapidary Saw with 2 sets of Lapidary Polishers
• Tumbler
• Ultrasonic, Disk Cutter
• (2-32mm) Dapping Die Block set
• (44-55mm) Dapping Die Block setSmithing
• 55-60 Stakes: (25) T-Stakes multiple sizes, (27) Mushroom, Spoon, Platform Stakes, (1) Blow Horn Stake, (1) large Sinusoidal Stake, (1) medium Sinusoidal Stake
• Full Size Anvil
• Railroad Ties
• Multiple Vices
• Sets of hand tools available to check out for beginning students.
Faculty
Mindy Herrin • herrin@etsu.edu
