I have decided to attend a one-week intensive course on the
classical jewelry techniques at the Jewelry Arts Institute. I will
probably continue from there with a normal 9-week semester in the
Fall.
I would love to hear any stories, tips, places to visit etc. from
anyone. I am still undecided on whether to go to NYC or go down to
Parsippany, New Jersey for the Kulicke school there. Any advice
would be appreciated.
My husband and I were at the Met a couple months ago and I still
cannot get the beautiful and delicate loop-in-loops out of my head. I
am very excited about my choice! Going from practically microscopic
beads to delicately woven chains seems logical.
If anyone can give me some tips on things I can do to be a
better-prepared student, that would be great too. I have taken an
8-week metals course, but I am, essentially, a beginner.
When I taught the best students where the ones who contacted me in
advance of the classes start and asked me what I would like them to
be prepared for.
So my best advise to you would be for you to contact the instructor
at the Jewelry Arts Institute and ask them what books they would
recommend, what tools and what materials you should bring. I would
even e-mail my syllabus to those who asked for it. It is a good sign
to an instructor when a student takes responsibility for their own
educational experience.
Good Luck! Your going to have a lot of fun.
Nanz Aalund
Associate Editor / Art Jewelry magazine
21027 Crossroads Circle / Waukesha WI 53187-1612
262.796.8776 ext.228
I am happy that you are going forward with a career in the industry.
When I decided to become a jeweler I chose a school in northern
California ( close to home ) Now I am an employee of the institute
and I have worked with newbie students, and the best advice I could
give you is go to school with a desire to learn and work hard, never
hold any questions back, and when you fall off the horse, dust
yourself off and jump back on!! Since becoming a jeweler I have never
looked back. I love this profession and consider myself lucky to have
these skills. The best thing is we never stop learning! Please let us
know how your training is going, we would like to see your
progression!