Printable Version of Program Information

Program Emphasis:

●The program places great emphasis on creativity and originality. The students will develop their personal artistic directions and styles. Students are encouraged to explore progressive concepts, use new materials, and develop new techniques. Students will learn to refine a variety of traditional, contemporary, and innovative metalworking techniques and other media processes.

●Students learn through demonstrations, slides, lectures, individual and group discussion/critiques, visiting artists' workshops, reading, and project assignments. Graduate workshop emphasizes portfolio preparation, participation in national and international exhibitions, practicing presentation and teaching skills, marketing experiences, in addition to working toward their professional goals.

In order to give students a broader range of career options, students have the opportunity to use tools such as AutoCAD, Rhino, 3D computer modeling, laser cutting, PhotoShop, and other advanced industrial techniques to create, render, and achieve the layouts of their designs to make one-of-a-kind or production art work. These skills help students working in many other fields as well. One of our most recent acquisitions is the “Dimension SST” 3-D printer (a rapid prototyping machine), this device converts a digital model into a real-world ABS plastic prototype. The plastic form can be used as it exists or can be transformed into metal with processes such as casting and electroforming.

Courses Offered :

Please logon to ISIS at the following link for current listings:

https://isis4.uiowa.edu/isis/courses

Introduction to Jewelry and Metal Arts  

• Fundamental metalworking techniques, including sheet metal fabrication, hammer forming, hydraulic die forming, soldering, riveting, repoussé, etching, roll printing, anodizing, stone setting, and patinations, etc.
• Creation of jewelry, flatware, and other functional and non-functional objects using metals and/or other materials.

Intermediate Jewelry and Metal Arts

• Producing work using fundamental metalworking techniques, electroforming, electro-appliqué, casting, forging, "silent metal forming," inlay, stone setting, and mold making, etc.
• Creation of jewelry, hollowware, interior and exterior sculpture, other functional and non-functional objects, and prototype pieces for production art work using metals and/or other materials.

Advanced Jewelry and Metal Arts

• Producing work using various metal forming and surface embellishment techniques including: enameling, laser print transfer/resist, lathe usage, gold plating, kumboo, etc.
• Creation of jewelry, interior and exterior sculpture, and other functional and non-functional objects.
• Encourage the creation of unique and/or mass production artwork, using 3-D CAD rendering, 4-axis CNC milling, rapid prototyping, and other CNC industrial technologies.

Mixed Media Workshop  

• Searching and experimenting with diverse media, techniques, and concepts, using unconventional and conventional materials, found objects, and invented materials.
• Creation of conceptual and/or functional mixed media or single medium objects of jewelry, sculpture, costumes, furniture, lamps, and other objects, installation pieces, and site-specific work, etc. Works will reflect the individual vision and personal statement of the students.(This applies to all metals course work)

• Students from diverse fields share their philosophies and technical knowledge.

Metals Graduate Workshop

• Independent studio work. Students continue developing and refining personal artistic directions, conceptual and technical skills necessary for professional achievement in the field of contemporary metals and craft.
• Supported in purchasing materials for experimental work and exploration of cutting-edge aesthetics and new technology.
• Portfolio preparation, fundamental presentation skills, and participation in national / international competitive exhibitions.
• Work freely using and experimenting with diverse media and new materials to produce innovative works that express personal aesthetics and statements.
• Research and thesis writing.

Jewelry and Metal Arts Summer Workshop (3-week session)

• Intensive workshop addressing a variety of levels and processes including individual instruction.

• Creation of hollowware, jewelry, sculpture, and other functional and non-functional objects via electroforming and other processes.