School of Art, Design and Art History
San Diego State University
Jewelry and Metals IIA / IIIA
ART 431 Schedule # 20211 / ART 531 Schedule # 20233
Fall 2013
ARTN 402 Tue/Thu 3:30–6:10 pm
Seth Papac
Email – spapac@mail.sdsu.edu
Office # 406 hours – M/W 11am-noon, by appointment
OFFICIAL COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Problems involving fabrication processes already studied in order to increase technical
competence while exploring personal design statements; specialized techniques such as
photoetching and electroforming. Maximum credit six units.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will expand your technical vocabulary by introducing die forming; die stamping,
enameling and electroforming into your repertoire. Importance will be placed on the
individual's commitment to quality craftsmanship through a developed proficiency of these new
skills, techniques and methods. With this foundation of craftsmanship an investment in a fully
researched and personally relevant conceptual objective will result in jewelry and metal objects
devoid of any derivative or clichéd characteristics. The emphasis in this class will be on concepts
and processes particular to jewelry, but which also have applications and relevance to larger
works in metal.
EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will:
o research + develop more sophisticated design concepts appropriate to the
intermediate/advanced level which address conceptual and design issues pertinent to the
format of jewelry
o demonstrate progress in evaluative skills through participation in group design reviews,
written assignments and group discussions/critiques
o apply the process of die stamping to create multiples which can be manipulated to create
more complex and varied forms
o use the process of die forming to create 3-dimensional hollow forms applicable to jewelry
and small objects
o apply the technique as well as the various processes of enameling to create complex,
layered surfaces
o use the process of electroforming to create metal objects from manipulated plastic/wax
materials
GRADING
Creative activity requires thought, research, and planning to develop ideas and solutions, PLUS
disciplined time to master technical skills. Expect to spend a minimum of six hours a week
working outside of class. This is a six hour lab, which is designed to allow for sustained focus on
your work with an instructor present for consultation. Please take advantage of this concentrated
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studio time; prepare questions in advance of class time, so that the instructor can be the most
helpful to you. Do not be misled by the term work session - there is a lot of essential information
exchanged in a work session. Each project will be graded on specific criteria established when it
is assigned. Projects which are submitted on time with all criteria met will meet the expectation
of an average grade. Projects which illustrate creative, thoughtful and rigorous investigation, an
interesting concept, quality craftsmanship, original resolution and a supportive portfolio are
necessary in achieving a higher grade. Additional time, effort, and enthusiasm both in and out of
class are necessary for an above average grade. Students who listen, ask questions, work hard,
take risks, explore concepts and media, and actively engage in constructive criticism and the
exchange of ideas will benefit the most from this class, and earn an above average grade. Late
projects or incomplete projects will receive reduced grades. Late assignments will be reduced by
one grade for each class day that it is late. Work created entirely outside of class will not be
accepted for a grade. It will not be discussed at the review or receive any points. Only finished
work will be discussed at the review (finished at the beginning of the class). Professional
preparedness (effort, participation, and presentation) also affects your grade. Conduct in the
studio (clean-up and safety) will also affect your grade.
Portfolio - For every project that is assigned in this course it is expected that you will thoughtfully
develop your ideas and designs. Evidence of linear development and progress is helpful for you to
fully understand and appreciate your creative endeavors. It is required that you not only keep a
proper sketch book but that you keep track of all sources (visual/text) that are used in the early
stages of each project. You will be required to hand in a folio that contains sketches, drawings,
relevant notations / research, a typewritten step-by-step of your process and a typewritten reflective
statement. Use a 8.5x11” three ring binder. Print out calendar, syllabus and all project description
sheets and place them in your binder at the beginning of the semester. All materials must be placed in
plastic sheet protectors. Materials to be reviewed must be easily visible. NOTE: Folios not presented
according to specifications will not be reviewed for a grade until they comply, they will be deemed
late until properly completed and turned in.
Sketches, drawings, models, and notation - In this portion you will neatly present all of your
design work. Everything made and used in your design process, even the unsuccessful or unused
ideas, should be included as it illustrates the whole design process. All design material should be
presented in sequential order.
Research- Every project will require you to research the subjects that are relevant to your
understanding and development of the intended work. The research portion should include both
visuals and photocopied readings that were important to your rendering of the assignment. If
lengthy reading was required highlight the most influential parts. I will be reading any information
provided and am not interested in material used for padding the folio.
Please remember that the folio is a large part of every grade and should be taken seriously and put
together correctly. All required information should be neatly presented.
Participation - Attendance is essential. Each project will be presented with slide lectures,
written directions, and technical demonstrations. Students are responsible for all information
presented. Punctuality is also critical and will be reflected in your daily participation points. If
you are absent for a class you will not receive any participation points for that day – regardless of
circumstances. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class and you are expected to be
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present for the entire class. I always expect your best efforts and thoughtful solutions. Focus,
planning, and long hours both in and outside of class are a given in creative activity, but the
rewards are worth the effort! There will be assigned due dates for samples, design + research,
and projects. On project due dates there will be a group critique in which all students are required
to participate by:
- Presenting their finished project and discussing it
- submitting a portfolio
Attendance at critiques is mandatory. I expect everyone to be engaged, attentive, critical and
supportive in group critiques. If you miss a class, you are responsible for obtaining all
information covered during that class and to arrive prepared for the next class. You are advised
to exchange telephone numbers with individuals in class to obtain information.
Clean-up: 5-10 minutes before the end of class, return all tools to their proper place. Sweep up
debris and scraps from your work area. Studio use is a privilege. Each student is expected to
clean the areas they have worked in, return tools to their proper place, follow the studio safety
procedures and follow the directions of lab assistants. Respect the studio facilities and
community. (see safety sheet provided in the course reader)
SDSU Grade Definitions A-outstanding achievement, available only to the highest accomplishment
B-praiseworthy performance, above average
C-average, satisfactory performance. Most common grade
D-minimally passing
F- failing
Your grade will be based on the following point structure:
Series Project-studio production
breadth, depth of concept, design research 10
Demo August 27 – Die Forming
as
evidenced by folio
Demo August 29 – Die stamping
execution, craftsmanship 20
DUE August 29 – source piece or research for earrings
DUE September 3 – Paper models/designs for earrings
challenge 5
DUE September 5 – Revised designs/paper models
professionalism, punctuality, participation 5
Demo September 10 – Soldering pillow form
CRITIQUE SEPTEMBER 24 – FINISHED
in review
EARRINGS & PORTFOLIO DUE
Manipulated Multiple – die
forming and stamping
Demo August 27 – Die forming
Demo August 29 – Die stamping
DUE September 10 – paper models for die form and
stamp, research and designs
DUE September 12 – revised designs
Demo September 10 – soldering pillow form
DUE September 17 – final model, layout, material,
typed step by step
CRITIQUE OCTOBER 15 – FINISHED PIECE &
PORTFOLIO DUE
breadth, depth of concept, design research 15
as evidenced by folio
execution, craftsmanship 20
challenge 5
professionalism, punctuality, participation 10
in review
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Monochromatic Complexity –
enameling
Demo September 26 – Enameling Part 1
Demo October 1 – Enameling Part 2
DUE October 10 – Research and designs
DUE October 17 – Revised designs/paper models,
enameling samples
DUE October 22 – Final paper model, layout,
materials, typed step by step
CRITIQUE NOVEMBER 14 – FINISHED PIECE
& PORTFOLIO DUE
less weighty…or not –
electroforming
Due October 29 – Chosen plastic objects/materials
Demo October 29 – Electroforming part 1
Demo October 31 – Electroforming part 2
Due November 5 – Research/Designs
Due November 7 – Revised designs/paper models
Due November 12 – Model, layout, materials, typed
step by step
CRITIQUE DEC 12 1-3PM – FINISHED PIECE &
PORTFOLIO DUE
enameling samples 10
breadth ,depth of concept, design research 15
as evidenced by folio
execution, craftsmanship 20
challenge 5
professionalism, punctuality, participation 10
in review
breadth ,depth of concept, design research 20
as evidenced by folio
execution, craftsmanship 25
challenge 10
professionalism, punctuality, participation 15
in review
class participation + preparedness x 10 weeks
100
REQUIRED FEE, BOOKS AND MATERIALS
Lab Fee - $50 payable to the Jewelry Student’s Coop. This fee pays for consumable supplies in
the studio and materials for several of the technical demonstration assignments.
Required Text - Course Reader Art 431/531 – author: Sondra Sherman. Available at the
Campus Bookstore. The course pack includes detailed instructions on the various
processes/techniques covered in class, studio safety policies, design and layout information,
research resources (websites as well as a library book list), list of suppliers of various materials
as well as other miscellaneous information.
Materials/tools - Students are responsible for the purchase, maintenance, safety and security of
their own tools and supplies. You will need tracing paper, model making materials such as
Bristol board, or sculpty as necessary for your designs. You will have additional metal/material
needs throughout the semester that will vary according to your designs.
Prices and item numbers may be outdated- sources are: www.riogrande.com,
http://www.contenti.com
Sawframe
110-043
$13.50
Flat Hand File
114-300
$15.00
Half Rd Ring File
114-322
$26.00
Barrette File
114-312
$23.00
4
3 Plastic File handles
7 ¾” Grobet
contenti
Sq. Needle File
231-739-1/0
$ 2.50 ea
Ring Clamp
113-1986
$ 4.90
Lock Tweezer
115-205
$ 4.50
*AA Tweezer
115-018
$9.00
Dividers
116-329
$ 11.00
*Scribe
118-455
$9.00
Flat Pliers
111-128
$17.00
Chain Nose Pliers
111-074
$17.00
Jewelers Hammer
112-403
$26.00
Scraper (contenti)
410-012
$7.50
Steel ruler 6”
$ 8.90
$5.00
* you should have these items left over from the kit you purchased for the intro class
*many of these are available for general use in the studio- but for long term use better quality
tools are worth the extra cost .Good quality files especially make it easier to be accurate and
efficient.
*similar economy versions of the tools listed above may be found at -Eggmenterprises.com
You will also need - wax saw blades, hot glue gun and glue, collected plastic forms, small paint
brush, round plastic painter’s tray, empty film canisters/small plastic containers with lids
Recommended Texts - Jewelry of our Time, Helen Drutt English and Peter Dormer
Professional Goldsmithing, Alan Revere
The Theory and Practice of Goldsmithing, Ernst Brepohl
The Penland Book of Jewelry, Maria Phillips – Electroforming, Jan Baum – Die Forming, Lark
Books
Periodicals: Metalsmith, American Craft
Websites: list provided in course reader
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CLASSROOM POLICY AND STUDIO CARE
o Follow all Safety Regulations found in the course reader on pages 1-3.
o This studio is a community workspace. Studio work will always stop ten minutes before
the end of the class for group cleanup and returning tools to proper place.
o Be sure to use your drawer to securely store tools and materials between class meetings.
Remember that SDSU is not responsible for theft.
o You may work in the main studio at any time during the posted Lab Hours and in
between classes if open. You may work in room 404 while another class is in session as
long as you are respectful and courteous.
o Cell phones must be turned to silent and not used during class. NO TEXTING.
BLACKBOARD
This course has a Blackboard site where you will find copies of the syllabus, assignments, other
course documents, as well as announcements, project grades and reminders throughout the
semester. You can access Blackboard through the SDSU home page, Current Students link.
Please make certain that your email address is current with SDSU in order to make the use of this
resource successful. You can update your contact information through Web Portal.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
All projects assigned, unless otherwise expressly stated, are individual assignments to be
completed entirely by each student; doing otherwise is considered academic dishonesty,
misconduct, or plagiarism and is subject to disciplinary action. This policy applies specifically
to the physical completion of projects and writings; meaningful dialogue on assignments is
encouraged between students. For questions regarding this policy, as well as other issues of
conduct, please refer to the SDSU Center for Student Rights and Responsibilities:
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/srr/index.html
ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE
It is the policy of this instructor and the University to make the learning environment as
comfortable as possible for each student. Any student with a learning or physical disability
should contact the Disabled Student Services Office for details to see if you may be entitled to
appropriate academic accommodations:
(619) 594-6473 or (619) 594-2929 (TDD/TTY)
http://www.sa.sdsu.edu/sds/get4.html
If you qualify for these services, please inform your instructor as soon as you are approved.
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