Metal Manipulation: Forging Mass Into Form

Focusing on extremely smooth transitions of thick stock metal rods into dynamic and sculptural forms while using the transformative metal manipulation process of forging will be the focal point of this informative 3-day workshop. We will use rolling mills, hammers, anvils, and stakes along with minimal stock removal techniques to create our forged sculptural jewelry - this approach will aid in conserving most of the materials (or "mass") we started with, in contrast to filing and sanding which takes materials away, leaving less to work with.

An understanding of design along with planning the order of operations will be explained and expanded upon throughout the course. Students will receive instruction and guidance in planning and execution of multiple forms as well as how to translate a base idea into a finished product.

Students with no experience will be given a deep understanding of the potential of metal forging and how to get the most out of this process, while students with some forging background will be able to go deeper in translating simple forms into more complex and dynamic ones. Proper use of annealing will additionally be covered - students will learn to properly use heat-sinks to protect work hardened areas while relaxing (annealing) other areas within the same form, opening new doors for design potential and functionality! This course will be working on a jewelry scale, but these concepts can be applied to all scales of metalwork once mastered.