School of Art, Design and Art History
San Diego State University
Beginning Jewelry and Metals
Art 231 Schedule # 20205 / Art 331 Schedule # 20222
Fall 2014
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 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, 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 – candle holder
DUE – October 13
Sinking
DUE – October 20
Stone setting – ring
DUE – November 24
SERIES PROJECT
CRITIQUE SEPTEMBER 29 – FINISHED EARRINGS &
PORTFOLIO
SALT AND PEPPER
CRITIQUE NOVEMBER 3 – FINISHED PIECE & PORTFOLIO
FABRICATED JEWELS
FINAL CRITIQUE DECEMBER 17 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
REQUIRED 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.
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.
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
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to contact Student Disability Services at (619) 594-6473. To avoid any delay in the receipt of
your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon as possible. Please note that
accommodations are not retroactive, and that I cannot provide accommodations based upon disability until I
have received an accommodation letter from Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.