Building upon the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained in the required prerequisite class, Jewelry Introduction, Advance Jewelry and Metalsmithing will advance to focus on Metalsmithing techniques applicable to jewelry making. Technical instruction and demonstrations will cover classic ?smithing? processes such as forging, forming, chasing and small scale raising. Three class assignments will be given over the term to encourage experimentation with various methods for direct metal forming and textural surface treatments furthering students' knowledge and skills both in jewelry and metalsmithing. Research, drawing, and model making are integral to each students design process. The class will be encouraged to take risks as a maker to stretch their design potential and making abilities. Critiques, group discussions and research assignments will be important class components. Elective

This class is an intensive investigation of the processes of electroplating and electroforming copper metal by covering objects of various modeling materials to create new metal objects. All aspects of this technical application are discussed. Students are required to maintain an accurate logbook of their investigation while developing a body of work. Class is limited to three students.
Elective

J+M Graduate Professional Practices is designed as an interactive lecture and seminar class. We are fortunate to have six-eight distinctly varied guests active, both in and outside, of the traditions of jewelry design and contemporary practice. They will offer you glimpses into their development and experience as professionals. Their presentations will be a catalyst to stimulate questions, encourage group discussion, and facilitate further research and exchange. Guests will address a wide array of subjects such as: individual studio practice, designing for industry, gallery connections, non-profit opportunities, potential of partnership/collaboratives, global opportunities, curatorial and journalistic prospects, pedagogical preparation/practice, support systems for RISD alumni and developing local opportunities, artist in residence opportunities and grant writing, portfolio/CV preparation, and technology as resource for design and production.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

In this studio, first-year graduates begin to recognize and develop personal areas of interest. Assignments are designed to bring structure to the exploration of various processes, materials, concepts, and formats. Weekly individual meetings focus on student's progress and response to assignments, as well as independent research.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

In this studio course, second-year students identify and pursue personally driven research. Weekly individual meetings and studio visits take place with the instructor, and also with scheduled first-year and second-year group critiques. Students are required to maintain a continuous record of their research and development through drawings, writings, samples, models, etc. Active participation in group discussions and critiques is mandatory.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

J+M Graduate Professional Practices is designed as an interactive lecture and seminar class. We are fortunate to have six-eight distinctly varied guests active, both in and outside, of the traditions of jewelry design and contemporary practice. They will offer you glimpses into their development and experience as professionals. Their presentations will be a catalyst to stimulate questions, encourage group discussion, and facilitate further research and exchange. Guests will address a wide array of subjects such as: individual studio practice, designing for industry, gallery connections, non-profit opportunities, potential of partnership/collaboratives, global opportunities, curatorial and journalistic prospects, pedagogical preparation/practice, support systems for RISD alumni and developing local opportunities, artist in residence opportunities and grant writing, portfolio/CV preparation, and technology as resource for design and production.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This course is designed to challenge first year graduates to rethink their previous assumptions about their work, prior training, working methodologies and approaches to their practice. Through a series of rigorous and innovative start-up exercises, graduates are encouraged to expand their subjects, abandon their comforts zones, fail, edit, and (re) direct their work. Equal emphasis is placed on critical thinking and critical making. Faculty, meet weekly, individually with each student to provide constructive feedback and necessary structure. In small group discussions and in-class reviews, first years are required to actively participate in discourse and take responsibility for the collective dialogue. The resulting insight and shared knowledge between students, along with their own personal gain, sets the tone and direction for their work at RISD over the next two years
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

Following the completion of the first year, second-year graduates identify their personal areas of interest essential to the development of their thesis research and practice. Students are required to outline and pursue proposal-based work with a self-determined structure, timeline, and intentions. Regardless of outcome, students are expected to evidence their progress weekly during individual meetings with faculty. Central to the second year, graduates are required to demonstrate a high level of self-motivation, vision, and initiative reflected through their concentrated inquiry and the rigorous exploration of their ideas. In conclusion of the term, second year graduates are required to complete a thesis presentation, to a J+M faculty review committee, in approval of their preliminary objectives and strategies in preparation for Graduate J+M Thesis.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of design and metal fabrication techniques for both jewelry and small objects. Working with precious and non-precious metals, students learn traditional jewelry construction including sawing, filing, forming, soldering, and polishing. A series of structured assignments guide students as they transform their ideas into finished pieces. Solutions for projects are open to enable the student to explore his/her own aesthetic, but taught in a way to insure that students master the basic processes. Lectures on historical and contemporary jewelry supplement, inform, and inspire students' work.
Elective; Open to all majors

Students will be introduced to advanced metalsmithing techniques during the first 6 weeks of class that will require a new level of problem solving as well as an increasingly independent approach to the design and making process. Class projects will explore options for surface embellishment and investigate direct means of achieving form in metal. During the second six weeks of class the process of casting will be introduced. Inquiry into the finer points of fabricating and inventing innovative findings for jewelry will be an ongoing consideration. Research, drawing, and sample making are expected to precede each class assignment to facilitate students design process.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

Drawing is a means for understanding your creative intensions. It is a tool for both asking and answering design questions, personal and conceptual, as well as practical. A committed and investigative drawing practice can also stimulate new ideas. Students will use drawings to experiment with variations on their jewelry designs, until the best solution is reached. They will also hone their ability to envision a piece from all sides, and in various textures and materials. In the reverse direction, they will also be encouraged to use their sketches as a source of inspiration for new jewelry designs. Class will asked to keep a journal for collecting ideas, observations, influences, and obsessions, as well as drawing exercises .
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This course is an in-depth exploration of innovative options for the use of color within jewelry design. Demonstrations range from both traditional and new techniques of enameling (first six weeks) to the exploration of resins and rubbers (second six weeks). Class assignments encourage the development of a personal palette and its application in a variety of projects as well as individual experimentation. Emphasis will be equally placed on technical proficiency and the examination of the conceptual connotations and implications inherent to the materials and their processes.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This course is intended to be an interactive lecture class. A series of distinctly varied individuals active in the field of jewelry will be invited to make presentation about their professional development. These diverging presentations are intended to offer a catalyst to stimulate questions, and encourage group discussion. Among the subjects to be presented are: individual studio practice, designing for industry, gallery connections, non-profit opportunities, partnerships, global opportunities, curatorial and journalistic prospects, wide world of the web, post graduation educational options, support systems for RISD alumni, residency prospects, and technology as resource for design and production. Students will be asked to keep an active journal of weekly observations and fulfill 3 class assignments connected with their ambitions and career interests.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration
Open to non-majors by permission of department

An advanced studio course, students propose and develop individual research projects surrounding their interests in jewelry and metalsmithing. A continuation of technical skills is coupled with emphasis on conceptual development and critical thinking. In preparation for the Degree Project, students are encouraged to explore materials and processes that best serve their ideas. Reading and writing requirements, and participation in group critiques/discussions are also evaluated.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration
This class is available to non-majors by permission of the Department and if space is available

An advanced studio course, students propose and develop individual research projects surrounding their interests in jewelry and metalsmithing. In preparation for the Degree Project, conceptual development and critical thinking are highly emphasized, and students are encouraged to explore materials and processes that best serve their ideas. Digital process documentation, Self-Observation writing and participation in-group critiques/discussions are required and highly evaluated.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This history seminar provides an overview of personal adornment in both western and non-western societies. The goal is for the student to gain a deeper understanding of the history of jewelry and the context in which the objects are placed. The course is structured around weekly, thematic slide presentations that are supported by visits to RISD Museum collections, local research facilities and fieldtrips. Readings and class discussions examine topics such as placement of value (spiritual, material, social, sentimental). Class projects focus on strengthening research and presentation skills.
Open to all, no prerequisite sophomore and above
Major requirement, J+M majors

Sophomore Jewelry I is the first of two introductory studio classes which will familiarize students with the creative jewelry studio environment. Fundamental tools and techniques integral to working with metal are introduced during class demonstrations over the semester. Class projects are structured to blend the use of tools with techniques and are introduced in order of complexity. The course begins with designing and constructing structurally sound 3D objects from 2D metal sheet stock. By the conclusion of the semester students are equipped with technical skills to make jewelry informed with an awareness of the body as site. This is the first of a two-semester course
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This introductory metalsmithing course blends technical instruction with an investigation of design and concept as it relates to ornament and function. Students develop confidence and proficiency with the basic skills of forming and fabrication. Specific techniques that will be covered are raising, forging, finishing non-ferrous metals, sawing, filing, drilling, sanding, polishing, annealing, surface embellishment, planishing and patination. We will also cover safety in the studio, proper hand-tool care, and the physical properties of metal. It is the goal of this course for students to gain an understanding of metal as a material and a broad understanding of the field of Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Assignments will build on each other and become more challenging throughout the semester. Each project given will rely on technical, formal and conceptual development. Classroom discussions, demonstrations and visual presentations will focus attention on traditional technical skills, design considerations, and the breadth of this exciting field.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This travel course is designed around the participation in the OBJECT Rotterdam fair held during Art Rotterdam, in Holland. OBJECT Rotterdam represents the most current developments in Dutch and international design from established and emerging designers working in the various disciplines of crafts, design, fashion, architecture, furniture, and art. The first four weeks of this course will take place in studio on the RISD campus followed by two weeks of travel in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. At RISD, students will develop and create a high-quality limited production line of work centric to their own practice. Through individual and collaborative efforts, students will identify the exhibition theme, design the exhibition display, produce promotional materials, install and manage the booth during the Rotterdam fair.
Permission of instructor required.
Estimated travel cost: This course has significant fees for travel and academic expenses which will be listed as soon as they are available. The entire fee must be paid at the time of registration which will be held between October 10 and October 31, 2013.
FEE: estimated at $2,000.00
***Off-campus Study***

Imagine a chosen person, priviledged with all kinds of super powers. Just as Superman or any other cartoon-, manga-, comic hero or villain. Feel how it must be when the energy starts to sizzle in his/her hands just before something magical happens. Anything that can be done is possible!
...but still, with all these powers they need an outfit, a home, things they desire. Something that represents the hero/villain with its special style, that expresses their special abilities or their extraordinary taste.
Try to imagine a hero character that you would feel honoured to make a design for.

This course introduces the increasingly popular use of computers in the jewelry industry for design and model-making. Students learn to use ArtCAM Jewelsmith software to make two-dimensional vector line drawings to generate three-dimensional reliefs, and finally, machine three-dimensional physical wax models using a small CNC milling machine. The wax models are cast in silver by an outside vendor. Although the technology involved with this class is not limited to jewelry, the scale, materials, and projects of the class are jewelry.
Elective; Open to all majors

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of design and metal fabrication techniques for jewelry. Working with precious and non-precious metals, students learn traditional jewelry construction including sawing, filing, forming, soldering, and polishing. A series of structured assignments guide students as they transform their ideas into finished pieces. Solutions for projects are open to enable the student to explore his/her own aesthetic, but taught in a way to insure that students master the basic processes.

This focused inquiry into the "ring" as body ornament will begin with a visual design overview of the ring in jewelry, past to present. Intensive hands on learning will take place during the first two weeks of class. Students will be introduced to essential skills required for competent making (piercing, filing, forming, soldering, construction and finishing). Students will begin applying their newly acquired metalworking skills buy making a series of rings that respond to weekly class design prompts. This active pace will require students to take risks with their designs and be decisive. PP presentations will be shown weekly exposing students to the variety & innovation currently taking place in contemporary jewelry design today. Both metal and alternative materials experimentation will be encouraged along with investigation of designs for jewelry that are unique, well crafted and function successfully on the body. Students will be asked to map and track their creative process by keeping an active log of their interests, research, writing, drawing, & photos in a journal/sketchbook, specifically for this class. Making models, studies of initial ideas, and photographs of finished work will be encouraged to 'envision' possible variations of ideas (scale and form) and documentation.

Graduate J+M Thesis is a 9-credit course that meets twice a week with two different instructors. Each instructor grades students focusing on both studio thesis work and the theoretical concerns of the Graduate Jewelry 2 seminar.
Graduate students select two advisors outside of J+M faculty to provide additional insight and support into their thesis work, as well as to foster other professional contacts. Several guest lecturers make presentations throughout the semester about personal and professional experiences. The final thesis requirements are a written thesis document, curriculum vitae, artist statement, and twenty professional photographic images. The resulting body of thesis work is featured in the Graduate Exhibition at the RISD Museum in May. It is expected the Graduate J+M Thesis investigation yields uncharted results, reflects unique perspectives, and reveals high levels of execution.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

In Graduate Jewelry 2, first-year graduates hone in on recognized personal areas of interest specific to jewelry from the fall term. Students are encouraged to embrace new studio habits in order for individualized working methodologies to become apparent. Faculty, work with students, to foster the strengths of their natural proclivities and problem-solve areas of personal sabotage. Critical to the success of this course, it is essential that first year students demonstrate a high level of self-direction, curiosity, and drive reflected through their bench work and independent research. Course content continues to focus around jewelry's power and potential as a platform and catalyst for dialogue
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

The fall seminar concentrates on critical reading as an opportunity to locate, examine, and discuss your work within a broader field of inquiry. The additional objectives are to increase critical thinking, hone reading and writing skills, expand vocabulary, and build presentation skills. Woven into all of this is the understanding that research can be a valuable, if not essential, component of making - each informing and enriching the other. The focus of the spring seminar shifts to writing and presentation as an integral part of both studio and professional practice. Each spring brings a new team of guest instructors who introduce various modes of writing as a means to mine, develop and articulate ideas in a concise and authentic manner, and, to further hone that information into artist statements, written theses, and public presentations. Throughout the term writing will be the vehicle in which to move between private and public realms. This journey will begin with 'automatic writings' and culminate with your public artist presentations.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

The fall seminar concentrates on critical reading as an opportunity to locate, examine, and discuss your work within a broader field of inquiry. The additional objectives are to increase critical thinking, hone reading and writing skills, expand vocabulary, and build presentation skills. Woven into all of this is the understanding that research can be a valuable, if not essential, component of making - each informing and enriching the other. The focus of the spring seminar shifts to writing and presentation as an integral part of both studio and professional practice. Each spring brings a new team of guest instructors who introduce various modes of writing as a means to mine, develop and articulate ideas in a concise and authentic manner, and, to further hone that information into artist statements, written theses, and public presentations. Throughout the term writing will be the vehicle in which to move between private and public realms. This journey will begin with 'automatic writings' and culminate with your public artist presentations.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

In the second sequence of Graduate Studio, first-year graduates continue to take risks and think independently; identify and gain insight into their creative influences; and successfully direct and shape their ideas. Class exercises are given with clear, open-ended themes. Course content focuses on clarity of intention, artistic authorship, the presentation and framing of ones work, awareness of ones contemporaries, etc. Faculty and students consider individual approaches for the execution of work, from the initial concept to the finished piece. In an effort to arrive at original, personally authentic work, it is essential that students are open to discussion and willing to investigate (and question) the motivating forces of their work.
Graduate major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of design and metal fabrication techniques for both jewelry and small objects. Working with precious and non-precious metals, students learn traditional jewelry construction including sawing, filing, forming, soldering, and polishing. A series of structured assignments guide students as they transform their ideas into finished pieces. Solutions for projects are open to enable the student to explore his/her own aesthetic, but taught in a way to insure that students master the basic processes. Lectures on historical and contemporary jewelry supplement, inform, and inspire students' work.
Elective; Open to all majors

This course emphasizes the refinement of technical and design skills acquired in sophomore level. A variety of new techniques are introduced. The nature of the assignments encourages the development of a personal aesthetic and asks for greater independence in the design process. The structure of the assignments is designed to present formal and conceptual challenges, promote innovative problem solving and individual exploration. Research and ongoing discussions are part of this course..
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

This course provides students with fundamental skills required to use Rhinoceros based 3D modeling CAD software. The Rhino program facilitates exploration of materials, and offers opportunities to push traditional fabricating techniques and enhance drawing skills. Assignments will be given to support student's ability to use CAD to visualize 3D form and detail during the first stages of the designing, and conclude the process with formal digital renderings. Students will be encouraged throughout the class to identify and explore the CAD's potential for their individual design needs.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

The course will provide students with a forum in which they will be exposed, encouraged, and engaged in contemporary studio craft discourse via texts. The course is designed to expose students to prominent ideas concerning the evolution of ideas (from early notions to the final piece), how to approach and identify working methods, the role of experimentation and (rigorous) play, and the incorporation of writing as a creative tool. Students will be expected to thoroughly read all texts and present thoughtful responses to the reading through class discussion and weekly writings. Emphasis will be placed on the development of critical thinking and reading skills.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

In the Senior J+M Degree Project students focus on a clearly defined, individually chosen, subject of inquiry for 12 weeks. Seniors are required to take full responsibility for the evolution and articulation of their creative practice. Two faculty serve as DP advisors, meeting weekly with students, to discuss and facilitate the progress of their work. Writing exercises are incorporated into the class to support the relationship between writing and their studio practice. Although seniors must be self-reflective in identifying the individual impulses and motivations in their work, emphasis in review and discussion begins to shift from the voice of the personal to that of the greater collective, context, and role of the audience. The DP culminates in an exhibition at Woods-Gerry Gallery on the RISD campus. Graduation requirements include: CV, professionally documented digital portfolio, artist postcard, and artist/degree project statement.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department; course not available via web registration

J+M Senior Seminar serves as a continuum to J+M Junior Seminar. This course focuses on ideas and theories that relate to a professional studio practice in a craft based media or methodology. The information presented in the course will reflect the historical and contemporary development specific to Jewelry & Metalsmithing and its relationship to the field of crafts at large as well as contemporary visual culture. Readings and class discussion will explore critical issues such as the role and responsibility of the artist in today's society, artistic authorship, context and representation, the relationship between the wearer and the audience experience, the body as content and site, etc.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

The emphasis of this course is on the intricacy and sophistication of metal construction. Technical information is presented in a clear, logical manner facilitating mastery of these essential skills. The class requires effort, patience, accuracy and sensitivity to the material. Each project pairs a technical skill with a search of creative design solutions that are based on individual sources of interests. This increases the challenge of the projects, and encourages growth in students' design awareness and ability, along with furthering technical capabilities. Drawings and models precede all projects. Students are required to maintain an active sketchbook, as well as a notebook with class handouts.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

Whether you work with pencil and paper or create drawings on the computer, the tools of a designer are all means by which you can define an idea, create a model, and make a finished piece of jewelry. This course begins with a series of design lectures, in-class workshops, and technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator that teaches the fundamentals of image manipulation, illustration, vector graphics, layering, and graphic editing on the computer. Play and experimentation with materials will be expected and by the end of the course, students will have an understanding of how the use of computers combined with handwork can create exceptional pieces of jewelry.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration

While continuing to perfect and refine processes introduced in Fall's metalsmithing class, students will shift application of these skills (and their experience) to the design and making of jewelry. Class projects will include dual intensions. First, to become capable with newly presented technique in order to identify design potentials offered by the process. Second, to design and make a piece of jewelry that exhibits innovative use of the given process and is reflective of students emerging interests. Fundamentals of stone setting will be incorporated in the final jewelry assignment. Each student is expected to participate during class discussions and critics as the group investigates scale, function, and examines jewelry's inherent relationship to the body.
Major requirement, J+M majors only
Registration by J+M department, course not available via web registration