Jewelry + Metals

Intro to Jewelry and Metals

Course No. MET249.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Gretchen Goss | Matthew Hollern

Work in this studio involves the field of jewelry and metalsmithing, its history, contemporary issues and activities, and the use and understanding of materials and processes. As a medium, metal presents more variables and potential than any other material. It can serve to produce sound, light, heat, motion, to present color, texture, and form, to store and release energy, and provide strength, and durability, all of which increase the options in your work. An introduction to the field of Jewelry and Metals includes the foundation techniques and skills necessary to work with non-ferrous metals associated with jewelry, utilitarian and small-scale objects. The course includes a rich collection of slide presentations, thorough demonstrations, technical exercises, assignments, discussion, and critiques. Throughout the semester we will explore the use of metal as a medium for artistic expression. A strong emphasis will be placed on your ability to use design principles, aesthetic considerations, character and emotional content, idea and concept to achieve a visual statement. Required of first semester Jewelry and Metals majors. Open to all electives. Offered fall and spring. 3 credits.

Jewel Metal Settings

Course No. MET362/462  Credits: 3
Faculty Kathy Buszkiewicz

This course will examine the subject as well as the process of settings. Exploration of basic and advanced stone setting procedures will occur. The 'stones' being set during the course of the semester will be precious or semi-precious gems, minerals, found or handmade objects created from a variety of materials. Investigations will result in several pieces of jewelry or objects created as they are addressed by assignments in the class. Affordable gems will be available to purchase. Demonstrations, samples and a visiting artist will supplement the course. Open to majors, intermediate and advanced electives.

Jewelry & Metals Thesis

Course No. MET093B.1  Credits: 1
Faculty Kathy Buszkiewicz | Matthew Hollern

The thesis book project was established in the Jewelry and Metals department and has been required course work since 1965. The development of the thesis book allows each major to write about a range of experiences from their work, and document the development of a body of work in text, photos, and renderings. Each thesis becomes part of an important collection that dates back to the earliest BFA degrees. Essay subjects are presented to challenge students to conduct research and examine their own position. Discussions and presentations vary to recognize the direction of the group. The course culminates in creating two copies of the book - one that stays within the department as an archival object and teaching tool and the other acts as a professional portfolio upon graduation for the individual student. The second half of a two-semester course. Open to graduating Jewelry and Metals majors and all electives who are seniors. Required of 4th year graduating Jewelry & Metals majors. Offered spring. 1.5 credits.

Jewelry & Metals: Advanced Projects

Course No. MET453  Credits: 3
Faculty Matthew Hollern

The course is designed to examine concepts and technologies of the field, and pursue work of individual direction. Various advanced studio practices and techniques will supplement the course to challenge conceptual growth, facilitate design, and present new means of fabrication. Subjects are presented to direct students to conduct research and examine their own position. The course includes demonstrations and presentations to support individual directions. Ongoing discussions and readings are an integral part of the course. Open to Jewelry and Metals majors and electives with instructor's permission. 3 credits.

Jewelry & Metals: BFA State/Exhibition

Course No. MET450M.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kathy Buszkiewicz | Matthew Hollern

The seminar is designed to focus on the changing landscape of art, where we will examine concepts and technologies of the field, and pursue work of individual direction. Advanced studio technologies and computer applications will supplement the course to challenge conceptual growth, facilitate design, and present new means of fabrication. Subjects are presented to challenge students to conduct research and examine their own position. Discussions and presentations vary to recognize the direction of the group and include singular object-driven problems, formal issues, and conceptual challenges. The course includes larger group discussion with all majors, demonstrations to support individual directions, visiting artists, field trips and presentations. The completion of work and preparation for the presentation of the BFA Exhibition will take place. Required of 4th year graduating Jewelry & Metals majors. 3 credits.

Jewelry & Metals: Ceremony & Ritual

Course No. MET261/361/461  Credits: 3
Faculty Kathy Buszkiewicz

Do we consider the importance of the objects we use in specialized events, ceremonies, or more wide ranging rituals? How does ritual and ceremony fit into the context of the 21st century and in our society? We will explore historic and worldwide references to ceremonial and ritual objects through the use of slide presentations, videos, and actual works. Objects will be created based on individual exploration and interest relevant to the subject. Additional independent work will also be required. Open to Jewelry and Metals majors and all electives. 3 credits.

Jewelry & Metals: Color

Course No. MET260/360/460  Credits: 3
Faculty Gretchen Goss

The use of color in jewelry and metals presents great possibilities. This course will explore a range of approaches to the use of color and colored materials in the creation of jewelry, functional objects, and small sculpture. Beyond the classic greens and browns, we will develop and apply chemical patinas to produce a range of effects in colors and patterns. In aluminum, the electro-chemical process of anodization will allow pigment dyes to be deposited in the surface of the metal. Plastics will be presented to allow for fabrication with stock materials, casting of resins and polymers, and laminations. Other pigments such as colored-pencils and paints will be covered. Numerous samples and slides supplement the course. Open to Jewelry and Metals majors and all electives. 3 credits.

Jewelry & Metals: Forming & Fabrication

Course No. MET259/359/459  Credits: 3
Faculty Matthew Hollern

An intermediate and advanced level course designed to develop skills in forming non-ferrous metal through the various metalsmithing processes of raising, stretching, seaming, snarling, crimping, and pitch work used to create volumetric forms for functional and non-functional objects as well as jewelry. Problems are presented to challenge all levels of students, recognize the direction of the group and include singular object-driven problems, along with discussion of formal and conceptual issues. Presentations, visiting artists, slides, and actual objects supplement the course. Open to Jewelry and Metals majors and all electives. 3 credits.