Be it loved ones or lovers; jewelry is always on the menu and can be considered forever relevant, especially in today’s economic shortcomings. Taking introduction to jewelry and metalsmithing or Art 73ab will, by the end of the semester know how to create such keepsakes.
Art 73ab is the first of three classes needed to be jewelry design certified, opening career options in fields such as design assistant, jewelry designer, metalsmithing, wax model maker, production manager and independent studio artist.
This program is taught by Irene Mori, and has been for nearly 22 years as a full time instructor.
“If you like working with your hands, you do not get too many opportunities to work with metals and this class is a good way to learn,” Mori said.
There is an artistic freedom in all of your works that manifests in each individual the craftsmanship and effort poured into each piece.
“You get to make something artistic into something practical,” Fourth year film student Bret Hartt said.
Each class of Jewelry Fabrication is three units, which count towards a Fine Arts degree.
In these classes you get to work on challenging projects with highly motivated people, every busy bee in the class works vigilantly on each project until they are complete making for a great environment and workspace.
Expected for each semester are between four and five pieces of work, allotting the time needed to finish quality pieces and not rush the artistic process.
“Vast options in the field, because you can design very intricate things, things that people collect,” freshman Kim Hoffsmith said.
Hoffsmith has currently switched majors from fine arts to jewelry making and repair, her goal is to transfer to Academy of Art University and earn a bachelor’s degree in jewelry repair.
Students take this class for various reasons, to learn how to make jewelry, be able to repair and cast jewelry, to work with metal and combining these elements to create art.
Lab assistant Kristina Christian-Kelly, is Jewelry Design certified and has a Fine arts degree.
“It is wonderful, different people take the class, graphic design, architects sculptors,” Christian-Kelly said. “It is a good combination, you get to use alloys, do fabrication and design.”
Students flocking to this class come from various backgrounds, from film, graphic design, fine arts, architecture and metalsmithing.
“A fun outlet to use knowledge from the fashion industry,” Fasion Institute of Design Merchandising graduate Kelsey Mahoney said.
Mahoney has a degree in Merchandise Product Development, this class will allow her to be more versatile in clothing design and accessories.
“No outfit is complete without accessories,” Mahoney said. “If you know how to make the clothes and accessories, you are golden.”
The goal for Mahoney is to have a more holistic knowledge of fashion and design, aiding her chances of employment.
“I have always had an interest in metalsmithing,” freshman Connor Foss said. “I like working with my hands.”
Foss, a stark contrast with the rest of the class has more metal in mind. He probably will not get certified, but will be better prepared for future endeavors involving the manipulation of metal.
“How cool would it be to make a ring for your girl, if you are a guy, or vise versa,” Mahoney said.