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Forging 2.0: Expanded Techniques
Expand and strengthen your forging skills with this three week demo-focused virtual class. This class focuses on techniques designed to allow students to forge and spread material into more complex forms, including learning to twist and split square stock to create specific patterns, splitting stock with hammers/chisels/sawing to allow forging from two sides, and spreading thick stock into wide, flat forms. Students will also learn to draw metal more quickly and spread material further, utilizing multiple forging techniques within one form to create line, flow, and complexity.
Techniques will include the blacksmith’s Russian Rose, hammering laterally to create complex leaf and cutlery forms drawn from a single piece of stock, and more. Emphasis on hammer blow accuracy for full face, half-face, angle, upsetting and back blows will all be described in further detail for more control of the material. Additional fold-forming techniques to create a sense of anticlastic work without the use of stakes will also be covered as time permits.
Meet the instructor
Deanna Pastel was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. In 2010 she received her BFA in Jewelry/Metals from Kent State University. Upon graduating, she was offered a position as a bench jeweler and trainer at Heather B. Moore Inc. in Cleveland, OH. This is where she began fine-tuning her skills in soldering gold, setting stones and hand stamping on silver and high end gold jewelry works.
In 2012 she landed in Austin, TX, and began her career as one of the main teachers and as the studio director/coordinator at Creative Side Jewelry Academy. She spent 2012-2017 developing the school’s core curriculum, while working closely with other master artists and her students.
In 2018 she was granted an apprenticeship to spend two months working alongside artist Victoria Lansford doing macro chasing and repousse, and became a presence both artistically and professionally for the Society of North American Goldsmiths. For the past three years, she has expanded to teaching at multiple schools and colleges around the Austin and San Antonio area providing eclectic and diverse course offerings at all levels of experience. She also continues to work at her bench in her home studio doing commissions, custom and repair work, as well as her personal artworks.
Materials & Tools
A list of materials and tools that will be covered in this virtual workshop, can be found by clicking HERE. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not mandatory - observers are welcome.