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In BKMA 134 Pattern Welded Steel, students learn and practice the ancient art of Damascus steel commonly known as pattern welded steel. The process includes learning about the characteristics of different steel types and hand forging. Students will form the pattern welded steel into a billet by forge welding, drawing out, twisting, annealing, and etching. The finished billet can be further

In BKMA 136 Advanced Tool Making, students combine their blacksmithing skills. Building on the foundation of blacksmithing fundamentals, students will develop their ability to conceptualize and create advanced forms. Tool making and creative problem solving are utilized while students create their own hammer and tongs. Other tools may be assigned at the instructor's discretion.

In BKMA 138 Artisan Portfolio Project, students integrate techniques, materials, skills, and objects developed in previous courses to produce a base body of work. Students begin to identify their unique artist voice in the blacksmith studio. Design iteration based on critique from others is implemented. The project requires permission from the instructor and may be individual or collaborative.

BLCK 121 Shop Cultures: Safety and Devices will introduce students to shop culture and to safe operating practices for all tools in the shop. Students will be given an overview of the two metal certificates (Blacksmithing and Metal Casting) and will start to develop the skills necessary to proceed into BLCK 123 Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms.

BLCK 123 In Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms, students will be introduced to the safe use of the MIG welder, oxygen and acetylene gases, and the plasma cutter. Exercises include samples using each process, accurate layout, and sculptural inflation.

BLCK 125 Design for Fabrication and Blacksmithing provides students with a basic understanding of the design and visual communication skills required to develop and present concepts that may be realized in wrought iron. The course will offer an introduction to essential drawing skills in black and white media and an overview of core design principles ' with context via relevant metal craft history

BLCK 127 Force, Stance, Direction: Primary Hammer Skills, students will develop the ability to manipulate hot steel with hammer and anvil. Following instructor demonstrations and discussion, students will practice a variety of basic smithing techniques. Emphasis is on hammer control, proper and safe tool use and how to apply the knowledge gained to complete simple projects safely and effectively.

BLCK 129 Advanced Techniques: Conceptualize and Create, this component 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. Students will make a hammer and punches. Skills include power

BLCK 131 Production Processes has students design, poof and execute a short production run of ornamental metal art. Skills include making and using custom jigs and tooling.

See the UAS Courses by discipline page for course selections.