Course Description

This course covers various ways of creating pattern through mixed-metal fusing, by a lateral layering of wires, rods or pieces of sheet. The possibilities of these techniques can lend themselves to many different styles, whether geometric or organic, abstract or representational.

Hazel developed this fusing technique after learning Mokume Gane at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation on Alistair McCallum’s course. She spent several years refining and progressing her technique, including on a Masters degree, leading to a distinctive pallet of patterns and colours which are recognisably related to, but also distinct from, the original Mokume Gane.

During the course, you will create several small samples, and also consider how these processes could be incorporated into your design work, in either silversmithing or jewellery. The samples made on the course will include several different types of patterns and patinas. Before patinating, you may wish to form your metal samples into 3D objects.

You will be shown how to create various patterns, and then also encouraged to look at your research materials and work with the tutor to develop the techniques towards your own personal style and ideas.

After participating in this course, you will be well prepared to continue making the types of patterned metal sheets demonstrated, and also to experiment further on your own. There is a huge amount of potential to explore, in terms of the ways of creating patterns, the chemicals used to colour the metals, and the eventual applications of these experiments into finished pieces.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

What students need to bring

• Please bring sketchbooks or similar with your research materials (eg drawing, photography, painting, collage, etc). You will be using this imagery to develop patterns for your metalwork samples created during the course. You may also wish to work on designs for pieces you intend to make after completing this course. Please bring some imagery of your previous work, in order to help with design plans by considering the new techniques in relation to existing pieces and themes.
• An apron
• Something to tie your hair back with, if it is long
• Shoes that cover your feet (no sandals or flip flops or high heels)
• Please bring if you have any of the following:
• Basic hand tools eg:
• A selection of pliers and snips
• Piercing saw and blades
• Files (including needle files)
• Things needed for soldering eg brush, tweezers
• Workshop consumables such as flux and sandpaper (or purchase from the college shop).

Available to buy

• Available from shop:
• We have a generously stocked craft shop, which opens daily from 8.30am–2pm.
• For any materials you need to purchase from the shop, we suggest you do so during the first morning of your course, after having discussed with your tutor.
• Drawing materials
• Sandpaper
• Some base and precious metal
• Available from tutor:
• On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials, including some base and precious metal and attachments for pendant drill. T his charge should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or cheque. The amount depends on the type and quantity of metal used – for your initial samples this will be between £40 to £80. It is then up to each student what kinds of metal they wish to use for further samples or pieces, and on what scale (and whether to purchase materials from the tutor, the shop, or to bring their own with them).