Metal

This course will introduce students to shop culture and to safe operating practices for all tools in the shop. They will given an overview of the Metal studio program and will start to develop the skills necessary to proceed into Blacksmithing Fundamentals.

This one-week component of the metal program will introduce students to the basic and safe use of each type of welders at this stage, including the MIG and the oxygen and acetylene welders. Students will also be introduced to the basic and safe use of the plasma cutter. Safe set-up and shut down will be emphasized. Samples of each procedure will be made to initiate the practice cycle necessary to master each technique.

This course provides students with knowledge, skills, and experience in four areas: drawing, design, professional practices, and metal craft history. The course complements student’s studio skills by providing technique and practice in their drawing and design work. The craft history component offers perspective and inspiration from both historical and contemporary sources, and the opportunity to incorporate this knowledge in practical studio practice.

The Blacksmithing Fundamentals course develops students’ ability to manipulate hot steel with hammer and anvil. Following instructor demonstration and discussion, students will practice a variety of basic smithing techniques. Emphasis is on hammer control, proper tool use and how to apply knowledge gained to simple projects safely and effectively.

A four-week course which introduces students to a broader range of Blacksmithing skills and techniques. Built on a strong foundation of blacksmithing fundamentals, students’ ability to conceptualize and create advanced forms will be increased through tool making and creative problem solving.

This three-week component of the metal program will introduce students to jig and die making. Combined with previous advanced skills already honed, students will design and execute a short production run of ornamental metal art.

Is an eight-week component of a one-year intensive metal studio certificate program. This course will teach students design, foundry pattern making and foundry sand casting.

Students will create drawings and clay positives for applications towards bronze casting ideas that they will finish in the studio. They will be assigned projects that will be guided by the instructor along the way, i.e. Practicality, ease of moulding and casting, marketability etc.

For three in a half weeks, students will be introduced to the various processes involved in bronze casting. They will learn how to realize their projects from the conception stage to finished bronzes.

For the last three in a half weeks of the seven weeks total of bronze casting, students will learn more advanced methods of sculpting, mould making and metal finishing. They will also learn the professional side of the bronze casting world from the perspective of an artist such as using foundries, galleries and marketing their work.