Friday, July 25, 2014

Policies

Class Policies

Attendance
·         Attendance is very important. We cover a lot of material and you need to make the most out of your class time. Demonstrations will generally be held at the beginning of class, so please be on time.
·         If you miss class, it is your responsibility to get the information you missed- talk to classmates, check the blog, looks at the printed handouts in the class folder.
·         If you need to miss a class, please let me know in advance or as soon as you know.
·         There will be time designated to work in class, so make sure to come prepared. However, do not expect to complete all your work during class time. Plan to rent some bench time or use your home studio space outside of class time.

Studio Access
·         The studio may be used during class time. To use the studio outside of class time, you must purchase a rental package, or pay by the hour. Having work time outside of class will allow your work to grow more and for you to be more comfortable in your work habits and the studio.

Studio and Work Safety
·         Make sure to always follow the printed safety information and your instructor’s instructions for working in the studio and safety apparel/procedures. Safety glasses, dust masks, and gloves are the most common pieces of safety equipment- make sure you have them! Earplugs and an apron are also recommended.
·         If you have not been shown how to operate a piece of equipment by an instructor or technician, don’t use it!
·         You must wear closed toed shoes- no plastic shoes or Crocs. Any long hair, loose or dangling clothing or accessories must be tied back, secured, or removed. Natural fiber clothing is highly recommended.
·         Be smart- don’t work when sick, on medication, or tired.
·         Be respectful of other students and share the communal tools- take turns!
·         Clean your area thoroughly before leaving, and make sure you clean and return all the tools and equipment you were using. Sweep/wipe down your desk, check the drawers and trays, and check the flexshafts for stray bits before turning in your tag.

Grading
Courses may be taken for a grade or for audit. 
Grades are based on the following criteria:
·         Creativity and Aesthetics: Your ideas are well thought through, interesting, and reflect your artistic viewpoint and eye. Your projects are cohesive and convey your idea and concept well. You use the design prompts in interesting and new ways, exploring fresh visual ground for yourself and continuing your growth.
·         Technical Proficiency: Your projects show a dedication to craftsmanship and working at the highest technical level you are able. Your materials are appropriate and in keeping with your ideas and the course. You show understanding and skill in the techniques we learn over the semester.
·         Attendance, Participation and Effort: You are expected to be prompt to class, and in regular attendance. You are also expected to participate in class discussions and critiques throughout the semester and be able to talk about your ideas and work. You will need to keep a sketchbook/documentation  of your ideas, projects and samples. You will need all projects for the final critique. I expect strong and consistent work ethic throughout the semester. 

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Supply List


Supply List
General Supplies:
General Jewelry tools
Permanent markers fine & thick
Scotchbrite pad
Drawing instruments
Sketchbook
Wet/dry sandpapers (not cloth backed)
Metal ruler
Tracing paper

Enamelling supplies:
Alundum stone or Diamond Pad Files
Decent quality paint brushes- 3, 1, 0, 00
Cheap white disposable paper or old magazine
Metal for projects
Dust mask (respirator optional)
IT solder (optional- required if you are soldering your enamel pieces)
Plastic spoons
Small jars or cups- with lids!
Tweezers - recommend watchmaker tweezers, with sharp points
A roll of good quality paper towels or old linen pillowcase
Thin painting spatula- offset and flexible!

Optional Supplies
Atomizer or sprayer - optional
Set of packing tools - optional
Set of sifters - optional

Tinted soldering goggles
Glass beads or frit 
Rubber Stamps

Syllabus and Schedule

Experimental Enamelling
Fall 2014     Baltimore Jewelry Center
Jenn Parnell, instructor

Class information:
Wednesdays 1pm- 4:30pm
September 3- November 19
Office Hours: by appointment, also most Wednesdays 4:30pm-6:30pm
Class blog: http://experimental-enamel.blogspot.com/

Class Description:            
Vitreous enamels are a versatile and exciting way to add color to metal work. The class will examine how contemporary artists are pushing the boundaries of the material and incorporating enamel into their work, giving students a grounded place to start their own experiments. Students will learn to use enamel with three dimensional forms and wire as well as sheet. Topics covered include: sugar coat and orange peel surfaces, etched enamel, torch firing, use of lusters, threads and frit, painting enamels, pattern creation, and stencils. No prior enamelling experience is required. Students should have a slid grasp of basic metalworking skills including soldering. Pre-requisite: Intro to Jewelry + Metals or equivalent experience.

Class Schedule
Week 1: Sept 3
·         Discussion: Enamelling basics, safety, kiln operation 
·         Lesson: Basic Firing, Dry Sifting, Wet Packing
·         Lesson: Surfaces- Stoning, Sanding
·         In Class: Begin test strips
·         Homework: Work on 6 test strips- 3 transparent, 3 opaque. Make sure all supplies necessary are ordered.

Week 2 Sept 10
·         Lesson: Enamelling on 3D surfaces
·         Introduce Project 1
·         In Class: Finish test strips, design for Project 1
·         Homework: Designs (in color!) for Project 1

Week 3: Sept 17
·         Lesson: Torch Firing
·         In Class: Discuss designs for project, test colors for project, sample torch firing
·         Homework: Complete testing colors for project and begin work on project.

Week 4: Sept 24     
·         Lesson: Surfaces- Over fire, under fire, Etching
·         In Class: Sample sugar coat, orange peel, and etched surface, work on project
·         Homework: Complete surface samples, work on project

Week 5: Oct 1     
·         Lesson: Patterns- Wet Packing, Burs
·         In Class: Pattern sample, work on project
·         Homework: Work on project, finish pattern sample


Week 6: Oct 8
·         Lesson: Patterns- Stencils, Dragging
·         Introduce Project 2
·         In Class: Stencil sample, work on project
·         Homework: Complete Project 1, designs for project 2, finish stencil sample

Week 7: Oct 15
·         In Class: Project 1 Group Critique
·         Lesson: Additives-  Lusters and Foils
·         In Class: Discuss designs for Project 2
·         Homework: Test any colors needed for project 2 and begin work on project

Week 8: Oct 22
·         Lesson: Additives- Threads and Frit
·         In Class: 2 samples of additives, work on project
·         Homework: Finish additive samples, work on project

Week 9: Oct 29
·         Lesson: Painting Enamels
·         In Class: Work on project, painting enamel sample
·         Homework: Work on project and samples

Week 10: Nov 5
·         In Class: Work time all class, work on project and any samples
·         Homework: Work on project and samples

Week 11: Nov 12
·         In Class: Work time all class, work on project!
·         Homework: Finish final project and any outstanding samples
                  
Week 12 Nov 19
·         In Class: Individual Final Critiques