Course Title: Gold and Silversmithing 1A1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Gold and Silversmithing 1A1

Credit Points: 12

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
VART1916	City Campus	Undergraduate	340H Art	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 1 2010, Sem 1 2011

Course Coordinator: mark edgoose

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3540

Course Coordinator Email:mark.edgoose@rmit.edu.au

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

In first year of Gold and Silversmithing students are introduced to an exploration of the wide parameters of the subject including conceptual and utilitarian aspects of the art object and hollow-ware.

Processes studied cover basic metal preparation, forming and fabricating, alloying and joining of metals, surface enrichment, finishing, polishing, behavioural characteristics of precious, non-precious, ferrous and refractory metals. Non-metallic media, specifically organic, synthetic and mineral, are covered. This activity is underpinned by introduction to workshop practice, health and safety procedures.


This course is focused around developmental approaches to contemporary silversmithing with a Fine Art context. It offers an opportunity to work with a broad range of hollow ware and flatware forming processes.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course aims to:

• To introduce the student to aesthetic and intellectual considerations in silversmithing
• To develop a competence in the use of tools and materials
• To establish an understanding of the relationship between form and material and the human context.
• To guide the student to utilise metal as a medium for artistic expression
• To encourage the development of an individual aesthetic based on a knowledge and appreciation of historical and contemporary trends within a Fine Art Context.

At the successful conclusion of this subject you should:

•    have a knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues in relation to materials, equipment and work practices and an ability to implement these principles into your activities as a gold and silversmith.
•    Be familiar and show a competence with equipment as per OH&S training manual.
•    have a fundamental understanding of the physical properties of a broad range of metals and an awareness of non metallic construction materials .
•    have an understanding of the principles of hand forging and raising and a basic ability to perform these tasks .
•    be able to competently perform basic fabrication and soldering processes.
•    demonstrate competency in surface finishing such as filing, emery work and polishing .
•    be continuing to develop drawing skills and techniques of 3D development (mock ups) which enable the accurate realisation of projects.
•    begin to initiate and pursue studies in directions that inform and further enhance individual professional and creative growth and catalyse invention, innovation and refinement of personal work.

Overview of Learning Activities

Learning will take place through a program of lectures, demonstrations and studio based learning via projects and assignments
• A program of individual tutorials and group critiques will be scheduled to review progress and to develop the capacity for aesthetic judgement rigorous self analysis.
• Students will be required to develop the practice of using sketchbooks and journals\visual diaries as a means of research and documentation.
• Students must cultivate an awareness of traditional and contemporary practice by regular participation in visits to public and commercial galleries, guest lectures, workshops, scheduled excursions and appropriate use of library facilities

Overview of Learning Resources

References are provided in Part B

The Gold and Silversmithing Studios are the major Learning Resource. The following conditions of use apply.
After Hours Access is when a student accesses or uses any Gold & Silversmithing area or facilities outside of their designated lecture time.
After Hour Access allows the student to have access to Gold & Silversmithing Studio Areas where personal work benches are installed.
After Hours not accessible to any student include the Machine, Polishing and Linishing rooms. These areas are Open from 9:30am to 4:30pm. They are closed for lunch breaks 12:30pm to 1:30pm and when no relevant staff members are present.
No student, Postgraduate or undergraduate, is to work in the studios alone. There must be a minimum of 2 students, in the same studio, at all times. If one student leaves both have to leave.
Only students enrolled in Gold & Silversmithing Core Subject or Studio/Workshop Specialisation may have After Hour Access.
If the Student is only enrolled in a Alternative Studio Subject or Elective they are not permitted to have After Hour Access to the Gold & Silversmithing area or facilities.
Except for Honours Students, all Undergraduate After Hours Access finishes at 9:00pm on weekdays and there is no access on the weekends.
Lecturing staff must make sure that all Gold & Silversmithing area and facilities are secured after their class.
There is no access to any Gold & Silversmthing personal power tools or plant and equipment After Hours. Once the student has been properly trained and signed off by the lecturer they may use their personal bench tools, flexidrive, bench torches, large soldering torches, bench torches, pickle, micro torch and enamelling kilns After Hours.
Any student contravening any Gold & Silversmithing Policies or Procedure will jeopardise their access to the Gold & Silversmithing area and facilities.

Overview of Assessment

Assessment is by folio submission at the end of each semester. Assessment will be conducted by a panel of teaching staff and results will be reviewed by Discipline Leader.
Folio submission - 100%