Courses
Semester 1
- Applied Design ARTS0007
Units/ Hours: 47.5
In this course, students will apply their existing knowledge of the elements and principles of design to their work in one specific medium. Students will learn the language of shop drawing, how to generate different views to help them discover their own design ideas, and think three-dimensionally to enable them to work out resolutions to problems before fabricating the article. Students will work with the theories, tables, scales, layouts, blueprint reading, pricing structures, etc. of their particular medium. This course also includes some basic rendering techniques (pencil crayons, markers) to enable students to produce drawings for clients and competitions. Students will experience the full design process, being able to use thumbnails, concept development, details, variations, elevations, renderings, and necessary layout and planning, right through to cost estimation, making it possible for them to be efficient and effective in their use of time and materials.
- Art History VI: The History of Metals ARTS0018
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This survey course provides an introduction to the major periods and styles of ornamental ironwork from 3500 BC to modern times. The development of forged metal as a art form parallels the history of architecture from the Romanesque period, through the prolific Gothic period, the Arts and Crafts Movement, to the Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Post Modern periods. Emphasis will be placed on developing a basic architectural vocabulary in order to articulate the characteristics of each main architectural style. Students will produce forged examples of decorative elements from each major period. The discovery of iron smelting and subsequent technological developments in iron and steel production will also be discussed. Where applicable the historic impact of individuals such as William Morris, Jean Tijou, Edgar Brandt, Fritz Kuhn and Samuel Yellin will be studied. Students will also be introduced to the work of influential contemporary blacksmiths such as Tom Joyce, Alfred Habbermann, Daniel Miller, Albert Paley and Elizabeth Brim.
- Blacksmithing - Advanced ARTS0968
Units/ Hours: 237.5
This course builds on basic blacksmithing procedures from managing a forge fire, to drawing out and welding steel, tool making, tempering and forge welding. Students will have ample opportunity to practice techniques needed to create both traditional and original sculptural items, and will also be introduced to the unique world of iron sculptures and yard art. Students will learn the more advanced forging techniques of twists, scrolls and jigs, as well as welding and cutting. They will also be shown the use of a plasma cutting machine and the hot carving of steel. Time will also be spent discussing how to set up an economical shop, purchase stock and maintain equipment.
- Blacksmithing - Basic ARTS0040
Units/ Hours: 190
This course covers basic blacksmithing procedures from managing a forge fire, to drawing out and welding steel. Instruction will also include tool making, tempering and forge welding. Students will have ample opportunity to practice techniques needed to create both traditional and original sculptural items. Students will also be introduced to the unique world of iron sculptures. Students will learn the more advanced forging techniques of twists, scrolls and jigs, as well as welding and cutting. They will also be shown the use of a plasma cutting machine and the hot carving of steel. Time will also be spent discussing how to set up an economical shop, purchase stock and maintain equipment.
- Design - Artist Blacksmith ARTS0970
Units/ Hours: 47.5
This studio-based course will introduce students to the basic design process as applied to forged metal objects. Line, texture, symmetry, balance, and proportion will be explored in their relation to the size, location and / or function of an object when it is being designed. Students will research, present and critique the work of artist-blacksmiths from specific eras, examining style and the use of technology.
- Drawing - Artist Blacksmith ARTS0969
Units/ Hours: 47.5
It is important that the artist blacksmith is able to visualize ideas, prepare design proposals and create scaled shop drawings for production purposes. This course gives students a solid foundation in drawing techniques and processes while they become familiar with the elements of design. Using a variety of tools and surfaces, students will produce both representational and concept drawings. Linear perspective and basic composition including spiral and scroll design will be addressed. Several natural and manufactured subjects will be studied including the human figure, giving students a source of ideas and references for the program.
- Marketing/Portfolio Development MKTG0053
Units/ Hours: 47.5
Practicing artists can choose from many different paths to advance their personal and artistic goals in artistic practice, education, presentation skills, and romotion and marketing as entrepreneurs. Each student will establish their own specific focus for continuing their artist's practice. In class sessions will involve online research, writing, digital photography, presentation, and critical discussion. Precourse assignment work will provide the data for artist documents and digital images of their work for the development of a portfolio. Students will show their work in an established campus venue as a culmination to their certificate program experience. Certificate students who have already completed the first two semesters of the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma Program will complete this course mainly as independent review and revision of their portfolio and artists documents in collaboration with faculty.