Source: https://www.western.edu/academics/undergraduate/art-program/three-dimensional-art-jewelry
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 10:39:55+00:00

Document:
An introduction to the basic techniques and processes of ceramics: pinch, coil, slab, and some wheelwork. Prerequisites: ART 120, ART 171, and ART 172.
An introduction to the various processes of sculpture: carving, modeling, and casting. Aesthetic qualities and craftsmanship of the sculptural forms are emphasized. Prerequisites: ART 120, ART 171, and ART 172.
An introduction to the creative use of silver and precious gemstones in the making of jewelry. Design and craftsmanship are emphasized. Prerequisites: ART 120, ART 171, and ART 172.
Designed for exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 235.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 335.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 435.
An advanced exploration of the expressive possibilities of individual jewelry direction. Students collaborate with the instructor to plan a suitable and particular direction for study. Prerequisite: ART 436.
Today's Jewelry artists draw from a wealth of technical and conceptual traditions, as well as from high-tech industrial applications. Such a multifaceted medium calls for similar versatility in the classroom, and that is what Western's jewelry department provides. Course offerings center on technical and conceptual issues, incorporating both traditional and contemporary concerns. Discussions, critiques, and lectures emphasize content and the development of personal expression.
The department's approach is one of breadth rather than of narrow specialization. Because jewelry deals with the illusionary space of painting and the real space of sculpture, this medium inspires infinite options. The possible transformations of metal are so many, in fact, that students must maintain flexibility and openness to new ideas. Often, a student's exploration of metal sculpture and studio jewelry-making becomes a springboard for more personal and contemporary image-making. In beginning jewelry courses, students develop skills in fabricating, casting, learn the complexities of soldering, and develop a vocabulary in jewelry aesthetics. In advanced courses, students explore metal and stone potential in its many forms. Traditional boundaries expand and new issues arise as the student's perception changes.
The department offers several multilevel courses in jewelry, metal-smithing, and theory. Beginning and advanced students meet together with the same instructor; beginning students meet as a group, while advanced students receive independent instruction. Complete jewelry facilities are available for students with several torches, buffing wheels and the assistance of a shop technician. The department also features extensive sculpture process equipment. The potential of independent work and course work are available to the student who wishes to pursue signature work in jewelry.

References: ART 120
 ART 171
 ART 172
 ART 120
 ART 171
 ART 172
 ART 120
 ART 171
 ART 172
 ART 235
 ART 335
 ART 435
 ART 436