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Ornamental Wirework: Blacksmithing Techniques for Jewelers
The use of decorative wrought iron conjures up romantic visions of the old world and all of the lavish structures of days gone by. In this class, students will learn how to adapt this form of ornamentation to be used for making jewelry. Students will first get a brief overview of traditional blacksmithing, and then translate these techniques into silversmithing. William will demonstrate these methods for forming and manipulating silver, and will also touch upon stone setting to give students the opportunity to add even more character to their designs.
Students will look to the past for inspiration, and design a modern piece of jewelry that has been influenced by this distinct language of blacksmithing. Participants will then create their brooch, ring, pendant, or other jewelry item by twisting, bending, forging, and forming their silver. (And setting stones if they so choose!) Students can expect to walk away with at least one finished piece, or samples for future endeavors.
Meet the instructor
William Vanaria is a Massachusetts based artist with a penchant for oddball materials. His work utilizes traditional metalsmithing techniques and a wide verity of non-traditional materials to produce jewelry which both questions and comments on notions of romanticism, value, fakery, and the hierarchy of materials present within modern day consumer culture. Through his work he pushes for a broader system of value which has been formulated though experience, consideration, and critical thinking.
William received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing" in 2012. Afterwards, he spent time working within the jewelry industry and volunteering as a teacher's assistant for various art institutions. He found that the latter was much more fulfilling, so he went on to further his education within the arts and to pursue a career in teaching. William received his Masters of Fine Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts: Dartmouth in 2016; once again with a concentration in "Jewelry & Metalsmithing."
Materials & Tools
There is a $65 materials fee for this course, which is payable upon registration. The materials kit includes sterling silver sheet metal, assorted thicknesses of sterling wire, cubic zirconia and cabochon stones, and various tools and supplies necessary for completing the course projects.
- Notebook/sketchbook & writing utensil
- Very fine tip marker
- OPTIONAL: Round faceted stones of your choosing, 3mm in diameter.
- OPTIONAL: Cabochons of your choosing. Aim for ones that are an oval or a circle.