WORKSHOPS
Whether you only have a weekend to spare, or are seeking a longer crafting experience, workshops are a time in which you are fully immersed in the medium of your choosing. By learning and creating in your class all day, then working independently in the evening, you are giving yourself the time to pursue the interests you've always held in your heart; but maybe never had a chance to properly nourish. Many arts and crafts institutions offer great accommodations, meals, evening entertainment, and a sense of community that you cannot easily find anywhere else. If finances are tight, not to worry! Most craft schools offer scholarship opportunities, work-study programs, and financial aid to people of all ages, genders, and economic backgrounds. So pack your bags, bring your sketchbook, throw on an apron, and join me in the studio!
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES:
2024
Your journey into the tools and processes of metalsmithing begins here! This class for newcomers and novices will open up a wealth of knowledge for learning the skills behind the fabrication and forming of metal into wearable and sculptural artwork. Demonstrations will include how to design, saw, solder, sand, polish, and texture precious metals. Leave with a great foundation to build upon for future endeavors in the metal arts.
Family Album: A Series of Moments
June 2nd-8th
John C. Campbell Folk School
Co-Instructors: Ashley Gilreath and Abigail Heuss
Design and construct a series of jewelry pieces based on a story or stories that are important to you. Working with small objects of personal significance such as pendants, ornaments, or small sculptures, we will discuss ways to integrate narratives into your work and explore design strategies and construction techniques. Expect to design and create up to three small works that represent a meaningful idea, person, or memory. All levels welcome.
Champlevé is a specialized process whereby the artist inlays and fires enamels into recessed areas of a metal surface. Create spaces in the metal by piercing a design with a jeweler's saw, then solder the design onto a flat background. Learn fundamental champlevé processes including depletion gilding, applying metallic foils, wet packing and firing the glass in a kiln. An introduction to color theory along with some finely tuned blending and shading will further boost your enameling abilities.
Your journey into the tools and processes of metalsmithing begins here! This class for newcomers and novices will open up a wealth of knowledge for learning the skills behind the fabrication and forming of metal into wearable and sculptural artwork. Demonstrations will include how to design, saw, solder, sand, polish, and texture precious metals. Leave with a great foundation to build upon for future endeavors in the metal arts.
Buying commercially made chasing tools can be incredibly expensive, not to mention you are limited by whatever shapes and sizes tool manufacturers produce. In this workshop you will learn how to measure, shape, grind, temper, and polish steel into three basic chasing tool shapes: circular punch, straight liner, and matte texture tools. We will discuss the history of these tools, along with practical modern applications in metalsmithing. With this knowledge you can recreate the textures of organic objects, or simply produce a patterned surface that is unique to your studio needs.
What are the structures of narrative jewelry, and how can you analyze and break those hidden stories down to their most valuable elements? The invisible histories of personal objects and the quiet moments that bookend our daily lives will be the focus of this workshop experience. Students will gain the confidence and skills to design and fabricate textures, colors, and forms inspired by a narrative of your choosing. Whether that encompasses the landscape of ones everyday routines, or a moment in life that was transformative, students will learn how to capture and visually express those stories within a wearable or small sculptural object. Students are encouraged to bring any source materials for their story concepts; for example collections of objects from our natural environment, old textiles, or an heirloom book.
Enameling is the exciting process of fusing glass to precious metals. With enameling, there is no need for setting stones, spray paints, or chemical patinas if you wish to cover the surface of your artwork in sparkling, vibrant color! Enjoy demonstrations on basic sifting and firing techniques, embossing, sgraffito, graphite overlay, and simple foil applications. Leave this workshop with the skills and confidence to continue pursuing this craft when you return home.
*Enameling and Metalsmithing workshops for 2024/25 are still in development and will soon be available for registration!*
-Descriptions and further details forthcoming-
