Nature in Design for Jewellery with Vicky Hirsch

Course Aims

Artists and craftspeople have used nature as inspiration since prehistoric times. Taking inspiration from photographs and a variety of seed pods, shells, fruit, coral, leaves and other natural objects, you will be encouraged to generate ideas which you will be able to progress into possible new projects. Working with the rolling mill we will create texture in metal using temporary texture plates that we will make. Organic material will also be used for experimenting with texture. There will also be a chance to experiment with basic fusing and reticulation of sterling silver for organic effects. This course will encourage lots of experimentation with materials and processes which may lead to unexpected and creative results!

On this two day course you will produce:

• Sketches and maquettes and hopefully lots of ideas to take forward into finished pieces.
• Textured and fused samples to develop further or be completed by further finishing.
• Some pieces may be completed on the course.

Vicky is an experienced teacher of a variety of art and craft techniques. She has been teaching both adults and children over a period of 35 years. Her approach is to demystify techniques to make them more accessible. Previous courses she has taught include design for jewellery, delft clay casting with pewter; chasing and repousse with everyday tools on copper and brass (in a field!) Printmaking, ceramics, mosaic, indigo dyeing, and art techniques. Vicky originally trained in Ceramics at Harrow School of Art.

Equipment

Please bring your own micro torch with gas. There are some available at JASSO but not enough for all participants. Any other equipment of your own that you would usually bring to a class at JASSO!

Vicky will be bringing fine scissors, scalpels, and paper punches as well as drawing equipment, acetate and glue, also source material.

Students will be working with copper, brass and silver. Paper, card, glassine, glue and organic materials.

Materials:

Copper and brass sheet. Total cost will not exceed £10.
I will bring a small quantity of appropriate silver to buy at cost on the day.

If students want to apply texture to silver they will need to supply their own sheet silver. Sheet silver should be between .4 and 1.0mm thick.
For reticulation and fusing experiments students will need to bring some silver sheet: 0.5mm thick minimum and some silver wire between .5 and 1mm gauge.
I will bring a small quantity of appropriate silver to buy at cost.

Materials:

At an approximate cost of £10 pp