Course Title: Gold and Silversmithing 2B1

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Gold and Silversmithing 2B1

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

VART1972

City Campus

Undergraduate

340H Art

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008,
Sem 2 2009,
Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011

Course Coordinator: Mark Edgoose

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3540

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

Course Coordinator Location: Bld 2.A

Course Coordinator Availability: Via Appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

This course is for Fine Art Students from BP201 only.
VART 1970 - Gold and Silversmithing 2A1


Course Description

This course is a work integrated learning course. The key feature of WIL courses is that learning experiences simulate the working life of professional practitioners. As such this course introduces you to a research based approach to silversmithing and its related practices by working as a practicing artist in a studio based learning context.

In second year set projects assist you to experiment with concepts and mediums; develop an analytical approach to personal enquiry and interpretation of the discipline’s potential within the broader context of art/craft/design. Introduction to further aspects of the theory and practice of Silversmithing; including techniques, processes, equipment, tools and materials are taught through lectures, demonstrations and practical work associated with set projects. In consultation with academic staff, you assume increasing responsibility for the determination of your program and are encouraged to consider appropriate options with a view to realising the final form. You will also be encouraged to explore theoretical responses to the object including location, utilitarian/non functional, memory and the human condition.




Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Capability Development

This course will help you develop the capability to find creative solutions to constraints and challenges that relate to silversmithing and 3D object making. In the process of making works you will further develop both your technical and conceptual skills through analytical thinking and visual perception to inform your creative practice and to continue a vision of art as a profession. Your learning experience will will involve liaisons with industry.


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Further develop a material language appropriate to projects
  • Competently use tools and bench skills to explore a range of materials
  • Further establish an understanding of the relationship between form, material and the human context
  • Experiment with the physical properties of a broad range of metals, alloys and non-metallic construction materials
  • Use advanced metal processes such as repetitive forming processes, hinge making, articulated objects and metal surface treatments to create works that engage both cognitive and interpretative skills
  • Apply occupational, health and safety measures when making works 
  • Discuss the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of your silversmithing making practice based on your knowledge and appreciation of historical and contemporary practice in Fine Art 
  • Objectively and critically evaluate concepts and reflect on their resolution
  • apply professional skills to exibit work
  • Further pursue directions that inform your professional and creative growth and catalyse invention, innovation and refinement of your work.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning program will be studio based and will consist of lectures, demonstrations, projects and assignment work. Conceptual briefs are introduced directing specific studies.  Aesthetic considerations, materials, processes and other relevant aspects will be discussed with the lecturers at appropriate stages of development. you will be given the opportunity to develop competent and safe work practices, and to nurture independence and confidence in all aspects of your studio practice.


Overview of Learning Resources

You will have access to the full range of Gold and Silversmithing facilities in consultation with staff.


Overview of Assessment

Creating Works and Documenting the Process
Assessment is based on the creation of a range of works that respond to a project brief and your ability to research and document that process. Your work should be submitted as a series of folios at the end of the semester. These folios should include finished works and documentation of the technical and conceptual processes used to develop those works. Feedback will be given on each project to help you track how your learning is progressing against the specified learning outcomes and capabilities for this course. You will also be assessed on your ability to review and critique your own works and the work of other practitioners.


Assessment will be conducted by a panel of Gold & Silversmithing staff. Your assessment will be moderated by your course co-ordinator in collaboration with another studio co-ordinator.