{"id":403,"date":"2011-03-30T12:34:35","date_gmt":"2011-03-30T17:34:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cosmicfolklore.userblogs.ganoksin.coms\/?p=403"},"modified":"2011-03-30T12:34:35","modified_gmt":"2011-03-30T17:34:35","slug":"project-based-and-technique-based-classes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/userblogs.ganoksin.com\/cosmicfolklore\/2011\/03\/30\/project-based-and-technique-based-classes\/","title":{"rendered":"Project-Based and Technique-Based Classes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The hardest part for me is separating the craft from the art; craft being the technique and the art being the idea or aesthetic behind what is made.\u00a0 As an art teacher of almost 15 years, I had written a ton of project based lesson plans that taught a series of art concepts many days spent on the same project, but in a public and college setting, I have a captive audience that comes in and stays on a regular schedule.\u00a0 In the studio with\u00a0 a variety of student types, this was just not feasible.\u00a0 So,I was trying to teach too much in one metalsmithing class.\u00a0 So, now I have developed two sorts of classes that I will teach, short 2-4 hour technique classes, and longer, more project oriented classes.<\/p>\n

Technique Classes<\/strong>
\nThe Technique classes are where I demonstrate a technique, and then the students will get one or more opportunities to do the technique with my supervision and assistance.\u00a0 Then, we discuss ways in which everyone can incorporate the technique into their own work.<\/p>\n

It is impossible to master a skill in one or three tries in one class, and I let everyone know this.\u00a0 It is like algebra.\u00a0 I can teach you how to do a formula, but you haven\u2019t mastered it till you\u2019ve practiced it on your own successfully and built up your confidence.\u00a0 And, because of the limited nature of the class I can keep the prices for these classes very low, so that some can opt to retake the class to further master the skill in a more supervised setting.\u00a0 This bothered me at first.\u00a0 I asked myself, \u201cWhy would someone retake the class?\u201d\u00a0 I thought that maybe I hadn\u2019t done a very good job, but after talking to the students, I felt more at ease, and was better able to assist them in mastering the skill.\u00a0 Some people just feel more confident practicing with a teacher supervising.<\/p>\n

Really, no one can just do just one technique and start making jewelry, or at least interesting jewelry.\u00a0 But, each class is set up so that we are concentrating only on one skill.\u00a0 So, they don\u2019t exactly go home with something that they can wear.\u00a0 This class is set up for those who are about to or have already set up a work area at home, and they want to seriously concentrate on building their set of skills.\u00a0 At first this was a hard sell to my student base that were used to bead classes, where they would see a finished product before signing up.\u00a0 But, after a few classes, a buzz began and now classes fill up within hours of posting a schedule for the month.\u00a0 I believe that this builds a better student base for something such as metalsmithing, but I had to keep my fingers crossed in the beginning.<\/p>\n

Here is a list of a few classes that I have prepared in this style:<\/strong>
\nIntroduction to soldering
\nCold-connections
\nFusing
\nKeum boo
\nIntroduction to the jeweler\u2019s saw
\nBeginning forging
\nEtching
\nPatinas
\nRing making
\nchain making<\/p>\n

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Project Classes<\/strong>
\nProject based classes are very different. In this type of class, the students will do a series of techniques to make something that they can wear home, such as a cuff with a stone, a ring with a tube-set gemstone, or a pendant with a cab.\u00a0 In my experience, it is harder for a student to fully grasp any of the multiple techniques that they are being taught if their mind is focused on the end product.\u00a0 They are constantly trying to envision what it\u2019s going to look like, why they\u2019re doing this specific thing, or pensive about the next step.\u00a0 But, it\u2019s great for different reasons.\u00a0 New students get to sample what the whole craft of metalsmithing is like, and more experienced students get to take the skills that they have started learning to a new level.\u00a0 It is also an excellent opportunity to discuss things that we wouldn\u2019t cover in a technique class, like proportions, functionality, color, stone selections, or aesthetic in general.<\/p>\n

Project based classes attract several different types of students.\u00a0 Some are people wondering if metalsmithing would be something that they would enjoy, and they want to try it.\u00a0 Some are more social and just like taking classes to do something new and meet new people, and they may go on later that day to take a book binding class at the library.\u00a0 But, then this is also an opportunity for the students who have had my technique courses to discuss and study the art of what we are doing.<\/p>\n

Usually, these types of classes are longer and more expensive.\u00a0 I also have a lot more preparation to get more tools ready and more supplies.\u00a0 It also just takes longer to guide the students through several techniques, and they can last from 6 hours to 2 days.\u00a0 But, all in all, it is the best way to incorporate student needs.\u00a0 Using both the technique classes and the projects, they can get the most from the learning experience.<\/p>\n

Why This Works for Us<\/strong>
\nThere are no metalsmithing or jewelry schools nearby us here in Alabama, no college courses, and no other means for people in our area to learn this craft and art form.\u00a0 And, by combining technique classes and projects, the students get a more flexible learning schedule, without having to commit to an out-of-state program that will take a huge chunk out of their pocketbook and time.\u00a0 There are not many people who can commit or afford a whole week or month to a program in our area, so this is why I had to eat my \u201cnever more.\u201d\u00a0 :o)<\/p>\n

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Plus, A very BIG <\/strong>plus, is that we can remain flexible to allow artists from out-of-state to come in and teach project based classes.\u00a0 For example we have Jessica Dow of Wisconsin coming in next month to teach a two-day, stone-set pierced pendant.\u00a0 And, while we had to somewhat coordinate our schedules, not being a school type of setting, it didn’t interfere with anything to open the class to everyone in the community.<\/p>\n

I am not teaching future bench jewelers to go out and do repairs, but I may be inspiring some to do so.\u00a0 Some have gone on to further their education to do this with one of the out-of-state schools.\u00a0 Most want to start a small business and build it into a full working studio of their own.\u00a0 And, some just want to start a serious hobby.<\/p>\n

Next<\/strong>
\nThe next phase is to establish a local society for my students, where we can critique our work, discuss aesthetic development, and discuss business and promotional ideas.\u00a0 I\u2019m not a huge fan of clubs, so I am trying to have this set up by some of my students instead of just me.\u00a0 Plus, I need an opportunity to learn as well.\u00a0 Maybe, it can be set-up so that my students can teach me a few things :o)<\/p>\n

Thanks for reading, and I would love some feedback from some of the other teachers here on Ganoksin. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Also, if there are any metalsmiths, lapidaries, or jewelers who would be interested in teaching in a knowledge hungry location, please let us know.\u00a0 michaeljohnson@cosmicfolklore.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"