School of Art, Design and Art History
San Diego State University
Beginning Jewelry and Metals
Art 231 Schedule # 20162 / Art 331 Schedule # 20179
Fall 2013
ARTN-402 M/W 12:00-2:40pm
Seth Papac
Email – spapac@mail.sdsu.edu
Office # 406 hours – M/W 11am-noon, by appointment
Pre-requisites-ART 100-101-103
OFFICIAL COURSE CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Design and construction of jewelry and small objects in non-ferrous metals. Basic fabrication,
forming, and surface embellishment techniques for metal.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course provides an introduction to the fundamental skills, techniques, tools and methods
employed in the field of Jewelry and Metalwork. This physical understanding of Jewelry and
Metalwork will be further informed and reinforced by a general conceptual/contextual
understanding gained through the study of historical and contemporary works in metal. Emphasis
will be placed on the individual's commitment to quality craftsmanship through a developed
proficiency of 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 purpose of this course is to develop the verbal, visual, and technical skills necessary for
designing, executing, and evaluating works in metal. Technical skills include sawing, filing, cold
joining, soldering, finishing, and basic forming.
EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will:
o employ basic fabrication, forming and surface embellishment techniques to create well
crafted, small scale objects or jewelry from non-ferrous metals
o research and develop sophisticated design concepts appropriate to their level in response
to assigned projects and technical exercises
o demonstrate evaluative skills through participation in group design reviews + written
assignments
o attain increased awareness of the historical and social context of studio jewelry and
metalwork
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
studio time; prepare questions in advance of class time, so that the instructor can be the most
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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 an 8.5x11” three ring binder. Print out calendar and all project description sheets and
place them in your binder at the beginning of the semester. All materials must be 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
present for the entire class. I always expect your best efforts and thoughtful solutions. Focus,
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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:
TECHNICAL EXCERCISES



Soldering – Pill box
DUE – October 14
Sinking
DUE – October 21
Stone setting – ring
DUE – November 27
SERIES PROJECT
DUE September 4 – Research and designs, paper model making
materials
DUE September 9– Revised Designs, 9 full scale paper models (3 per
design concept)
DUE September 11– final designs/paper models, typed step by step
CRITIQUE SEPTEMBER 30 – FINISHED EARRINGS &
PORTFOLIO
RELIQUARY FOR A MEMORY
DUE October 7 – Research and designs
DUE October 9 – Revised designs
DUE October 14 – Full scale model, materials, typed step by step
CRITIQUE NOVEMBER 4 – FINISHED PIECE & PORTFOLIO
FABRICATED JEWELS
DUE November 13 – Research and designs
DUE November 18 – Revised designs
DUE November 20 – Full scale model, materials, typed step by step
FINAL CRITIQUE DECEMBER 18 10:30-12:30 – FINAL PIECE
& PORTFOLIO
class participation + preparedness x 10 weeks
craftsmanship, punctuality
10
craftsmanship, punctuality
10
craftsmanship, punctuality
10
design, research, planning(folio)
craftsmanship, punctuality
10
20
craftsmanship
design, research, planning(folio)
challenge
professionalism– met deadline,
participation in critiques
15
15
5
5
craftsmanship
design, research, planning(folio)
challenge
professionalism–met deadline,
participation in critiques
20
20
10
10
100
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REQUIRED FEE, BOOKS AND MATERIALS
Combination lock - Basic hand tool kits will be signed out for the semester which can be stored
in an assigned tool drawer. When you sign out your tool kit you must write your combination on
the sign out form in case we need access to the tools in your drawer.
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 231/331 – 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.
Beginning Jewelry Kit - Available for purchase at SDSU Blick Art Supplies. The jewelry kit
includes some basic tools and supplies which will be used throughout the semester. You will
have additional metal/material needs throughout the semester that will vary according to your
designs. Kit contains:
Jewelers saw blades – three pkg
White borax flux - for silver soldering.
Silver solder - Hard, Medium, Easy
Flux brush
Soldering tweezers - chrome finish very pointed tips, 5” long
Silicon carbide paper (black wet/dry sand paper) two sheets each grit - 220, 320/400, 600
Needle file set (six assorted shapes) - cut #2
Scribe
Drill Bits - #55, #52, #60
18 gauge Copper sheet - 12” x 12” (for exercises)
You will also need Eye protection
hair ties for long hair
a spiral bound sketchbook or loose pages - 8.5” x 11”
page protectors
wire coat hanger
Scotch-Brite pads
a rag or towel for drying
You may also want to bring: smock or apron, ear protection, dust mask, compass, templates and
band-aids.
Recommended Texts - The Design and Creation of Jewelry - Robert von Neumann; The
Complete Metalsmith - Tim McCreight; Concepts and Technology - Oppi Untraacht;
Contemporary Jewelry - Phillip Morton; Jewelry of Our Time - Helen Drutt English and Peter
Dormer – in addition to numerous books of historical metalwork available in the library.
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Periodicals: Metalsmith, American Craft, Craft Horizons
Websites: www.metalcyberspace.com/artists.htm; www.snagmetalsmith.org; www.klimt02.net;
www.ganoksin.com; www.craftcouncil.org
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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