ARTS 230: Enameling
Credit Hours: (3)
This elective course will provide an introduction to the basic techniques and processes
used in the art of enameling. It will include instruction on how to apply powdered
glass on metal, safety protocols, and equipment operations, as well as the generation
of ideas in the creation of individually designed work.
Detailed Description of Course Content
This course will explore foundational techniques and process in enameling, that is,
the application of vitreous glas on metal, in the service of contemporary jewelry
and metal design. Specifically, the course will:
1. Introduce the variety of palette for powdered enamel and the application techniques to copper as a base metal (Iincluding sifting, inlay, and painting);
2. Explore the use of surface finishes (e.G. glossy, matte, waxed, etc.);
3. The development of proper technical vocabulary;
4. Enhance the development of design skill in applying the techniques to jewelry and metal art forms and;
5. Develop material preparation, equipment operation, firing processes and techniques,
and studio safety practices.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course will proggress from basic materials, design principles, fabrication and application techniques, to fully realized finished objects for portfolio development. This will occur through a combination of demonstrations, examples real and virtual, online design research, hands-on practice, and critiques.
1. Students will be introduced to sample works using the enameling techniques to be covered. Both actual works and selected images will be used. This will be followed by detailed demonstrations on the process of sifting applications to metal. This includes learning how to saw, file, and clean metal shapes to apply vitreous enamel on, as well as special sifting and drawing applications of the enamel.
2. Students will then be given an assignment where they practice in multiple shapes based on positive and negative space that will result in basic jewelry forms.
3. Once students have a working knowledge of enamel applications from the first assignment, the technique of soldering (fusing metal to metal with an alloy) is introduced. Using that technique, students develop another positive/negative space design which creates spaces for the process of "wet inlay" also known as "champleve". A champleve piece is then designed and created by the students using concept development, critical design thinking, and technical skills.
4. Having developed basic skills in powdered enamel applications the course will move into painting techniques on enamel. This technique is known as china painting or "Limoges." Students cut out metal shapes for "canvases" in preparation for applying a background color for the china paints. Demonstrations on the mixing, application, and firing of china paint, as well as over-glaze line drawing and quill pen techniques are provided.
5. A final critique will take place where all student work is displayed and students
discuss their achievements, failures, and progress within the processes.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to, and fundamental skill in, enameling processes, suitable for further development within the jewelry, metals, and enameling fields. Projects will involve both research and experimentation in traditional and contemporary examples of enameling including application techniques such as sifting, and champleve. Emphasis will be placed on developing personal direction in the medium while achieving technical skill. How-to, mechanical, and process problem solving will be combined with idea and and concept problem solving in ways that relate to one another.
On completion of this course, the student will:
1. Have gained or enhanced their ability to utilize enamling techniques on both 2 and 3-dimensional work, integrating it with metals techniques, using both sifting and wet inlaying enamel.
2. Have increased their understanding of historical enameling.
3. Have become increasingly visually articulate and able to clearly communicate what they have learned, using professional vocabulary to describe concept, content, and technique.
4. Have created a body of display quality, unique and innovative works in enamel,
in preparation for the School of Art Gallery 205 annual exhibition held each spring.
Assessment Measures
Assessment criteria will include:
1. Demonstration of visual and functional design principles
2. Demonstration of technical proficiency
3. Demonstration of originality and creativity in conceptual development
4. Ability to visually and verbally articulate and express material and conceptual concerns
5. Demonstration of safe operations of equipment, tols, and studio materials
Additionally, Individual porject/portfolio assessment criteria will include two factos which determie the evaluation if a piece:
1. The visual aspect-design
a. The total conception or design of the piece
b. Its complexity
c. How well thought out
d. Appropriate use of materials
2. The physical aspect-craftmanship
a. How well constructed
b. Mastery of technique
c. Appropriate use of technique
d. Purposeful finish
Other Course Information
Review and Approval
August 2020