School of Art, Design and Art History
San Diego State University
Jewelry and Metals IIA / IIIA
ART 431 Schedule # 20255 / ART 531 Schedule # 20280
Fall 2014
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 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 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
as evidenced by folio
CRITIQUE SEPTEMBER 23 – FINISHED
EARRINGS & PORTFOLIO DUE
Manipulated Multiple – die
forming and stamping
CRITIQUE OCTOBER 14 – FINISHED PIECE &
PORTFOLIO DUE
Can You Handle the
Monochromaticity – enameling
CRITIQUE NOVEMBER 13 – FINISHED PIECE
& PORTFOLIO DUE
less weighty…or not –
electroforming
CRITIQUE DEC 11 1-3PM – FINISHED PIECE &
PORTFOLIO DUE
class participation + preparedness x 10 weeks
execution, craftsmanship 20
challenge 5
professionalism, punctuality, participation 5
in review
breadth, depth of concept, design research 15
as evidenced by folio
execution, craftsmanship 20
challenge 5
professionalism, punctuality, participation 10
in review
enameling samples 10
breadth ,depth of concept, design research 15
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
100
REQUIRED BOOKS AND MATERIALS
Required Text - Course Reader Art 431/531 – author: Seth Papac. 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,
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
3 Plastic File handles
7 ¾” Grobet
contenti
Sq. Needle File
231-739-1/0
$ 2.50 ea
Ring Clamp
$ 4.90
113-1986
$ 8.90
http://www.contenti.com
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”
$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 – brass brush, 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
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.