In regards to James Miller’s work and his education, why is there no
form of training in the U.S. that would produce someone with the
skills to produce something comparable? A fact is that the level of
skill translates to ability to earn, so if there is no training
available, there is only going to be basic skills taught, and
without discipline and repetition, one cannot achieve much more than
being a technician, putting parts together, setting stones, finishing
castings, ect.
The definition of “jeweler” can be someone who changes watch
batteries and does ring sizings.
Does anyone really think there is work being produced that will have
any historical significance because of excellent design and
craftsmanship in the U.S.? I see a few people who have the natural
ability to do very fine work with the limited education they
received. They are the exception. What this means to me, is that
people will settle and be happy with the level of mediocrity they can
achieve both in design and execution of the work they perform.
The level of competency James was required to fulfill is nowhere to
be found in the U.S.
Seems that people don’t even want to fulfill the requirements for JA
Certified Bench Jeweler. It seems that one objection usually is about
the money. The money supports a program that allows a person to have
their level of skill acknowledged in a professional context There is
a skill level achieved in the process. Knowledge, skill,
proficiency…financial reward.
In my opinion the greatest loss is that without training to gain
skill, the ability to be creative is the greatest limitation. The
path
of least resistance can be the path of least satisfaction. Most
jewelry education in the U.S. is to learn how jewelry is made. There
is no skill level requirement to become proficient to be employable.
I
am an employer. I have to spend my time teaching those who graduate
from a trade school or college so they can be employable. If they
worked for another “jeweler” I have to unlearn them from bad habits
and low expectations of poor quality work acceptably at their
previous employment. If any of you wanted to work as a car mechanic,
and you took a class on how to do basic maintenance on a car, and
then
you tried to get a job as a mechanic at a dealership it would be
ludicrous.
Obviously my not so humble opinion,
Richard Hart