Jewelry + Metalsmithing Courses
PEARL LAB: ONLY WITH AGITATION, COMES GROWTH
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The Pearl LAB wintersession course, 'Only with Agitation, Comes Growth', will focus on the pearl as a subject of inquiry and material experimentation. Students will be divided into research groups to explore and exploit the material potential and properties of the pearl as well as to challenge its convention and agency as a cultured object and precious jewel. Through a significant pearl donation to the J+M department, students will be provided a selection of pearls for both experimentation and the final conception of their work. Guest experts and artists in the field will provide lectures to facilitate and contextualize the complex environmental, social, and cultural history (and future sustainability) of the pearl as a cultivated and renewable gemstone revered for its beauty, value, and wealth. Only with Agitation, Comes Growth aims to disrupt and innovate around such histories and shared material expectations. A selection of student work produced in the course will be featured in the J+M Department Triennial Exhibition at the Woods Gerry Gallery, Jan 31ST – Feb 18TH, 2025
In conjunction with the course, alumni of the program, who’s research and practice are centric to the course content will be invited back as a fellows-in-residence to work in the department alongside J+M faculty and majors.
Elective
WATER FIRE AND BONE WATER CASTING FOR BEGINNERS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Water casting is a historic approach to metalsmithing through an organic process, allowing metal to behave in its nature rather than the will of its maker. Heated until molten and glowing, metal flows like mercury into a vessel filled with heated water to softly catch its liquid form. This course will focus on exploring organic casting methods, metal forging, forming, and interpreting outputs through chance operations. Through the winter session, we will reconnect with some of the more ancient methods of metalsmithing to create innovative new work examining methods of relinquishing control in order to embrace freedom in dialogue with materiality. This winter session intensive will develop students proficiency in various casting and forging techniques through articulate self-directed projects that examine metal in its various states. Discover the possibilities of allowing chance in process, technique and material.
Winter session is delivered as an intensive program, allowing a meaningful inquiry into material practice. We will meet 3 days a week where growth will be consistently assessed through daily exercises and short seminars highlighting the history of metalsmithing and its contemporary future. This class will be evaluated through letter grades given to 4 main categories; Participation + Engagement, Exercises, Project 1 and Project 2.
ZBRUSH FOR JEWELRY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
ZBrush is a digital sculpting software that mimics the qualities of sculpting clay in a digital space. This course teaches students the fundamentals of digital sculpting as an approach to jewelry design in the digital realm and physical production from digital assets. Through a series of digital and physical modeling exercises, 3D printing, physical samples and resolved projects, students will produce wearable pieces of art. Through physical observations of forms from living beings observed in the RISD Nature Lab, historical and contemporary jewelry pieces from the RISD Museum, and designed objects, students will establish methods of recreating ideas in a digital space for approaching "sculpting" as a new way of thinking and making.
STONES & GOLD
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This J+M elective offering is an intensive technical course that focuses on the subject and material investigation of Stones + Gold. The course will be divided into two segments: the first half focuses on the working with gold as material and the second on intermediate and advanced stone setting. Technical demonstrations will discuss and outline material properties, preparation and proper handling, alloying, soldering/fabrication, finishing, etc. Lectures and discussion will address the history of the materials, their mining and sourcing, environmental impacts and concerns, and methods for establishing an ethical practice. The course aims to address and prepare students with the practical knowledge, experience, and the necessary specialized skills to launch professionally into industry, produce independent commission work, and/or advance their personal creative practices.
Please contact the instructor for permission to register. Preference is given to Junior, Senior or Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Elective
JUNIOR JEWELRY 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JR METAL FORMING + CASTING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This studio course will continue to advance students' metalsmithing techniques. Chasing and repousse, along with lost wax casting, will be introduced and developed throughout the semester. Skills and material knowledge learned in the sophomore year will also be used to fulfill assignments. Overlap between all skills is encouraged in most assignments. 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.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
ELECTROFORMING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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.
Please contact the instructor for permission to register.
Elective
SENIOR STUDIO
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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, display/presentation and participation in-group critiques/discussions are required and highly evaluated.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
SENIOR JEWELRY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
An advanced studio course, students propose and develop individual research surrounding their interests in jewelry and metalsmithing. In support of the Degree Project year, conceptual development and critical thinking are highly emphasized, and students are encouraged to explore materials and processes that best serve their ideas. As the structure of this term allows for more individual freedom, it is necessary that students maintain a high level of self-initiative, curiosity, work ethic, and time management to be successful in their independent degree project.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
SOPHOMORE JEWELRY 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
GRADUATE STUDIO 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
SOPHOMORE METALSMITHING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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 non-ferrous metal. 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.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is 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.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JUNIOR JEWELRY: DIGITAL 3D MODELING AND RENDERING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course provides students with fundamental skills required to use Rhinoceros based 3D modeling CAD software. Rhino 3D facilitates the exploration of materials, and offers opportunities to push traditional fabricating techniques and enhance drawing skills. Research, models and innovative approaches are in direct response to questions of inquiry brought forward through design problems in the class. This class much like other software driven courses tend to be front end heavy with technical information. This information is obtained by completing assignments in an ordered fashion to ensure that the software covered in order for students to have a strong foundation moving into the JUNIOR JEWELRY: FROM CAD TO CAM course.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Junior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
GRADUATE STUDIO 3
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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 independent 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.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
SOPHOMORE HISTORY OF ADORNMENT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This history seminar provides an overview of personal adornment in both western and non-western cultures. 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) and how these are reflected in the contemporary field. Class projects focus on strengthening research and presentation skills.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JEWELRY INTRODUCTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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
JEWELRY INTRODUCTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
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
GRAD JEWELRY SEMINAR 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course utilizes general and specific topoi to critically analyze the field of contemporary jewelry. Students will develop the ability to write and speak with precision and complexity regarding their own work and that of others. In the process, we will create a communal topography generated by a network of inquiry to aid in locating ourselves and objects. Students have significant latitude to incorporate individual interests in written assignments. Themes addressed include but are not limited to: cultural identity, material history, marginalization, and exhibition strategies.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
GRADUATE JEWELRY SEMINAR 3
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is devoted to developing one's abilities to write and speak with precision and complexity, about one's own work and the work of others. We will examine trends and movements in contemporary art through the lens of critical theory. We will investigate what contemporary art can tell us about the relationships between history, images, and visual culture, subsequently developing the skills necessary to write about your work, what it articulates and argues, and the ideas and traditions from which it emerges. Each term will identify and address a new set of themes relevant to course content.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing