Here’s a nickel’s worth,
While I concede that learning solid professional technical skills
are not taught in most BFA programs that does not make them any
less valuable as a vehicle to start a career in making jewelry.
Perhaps if these programs were five years instead of four, there
would be enough time to focus more on the practical side. The
focus of a BFA program is on creative thinking, and design. I was
fortunate to study with John Heller at Bridgewater State College
for two years, from John I acquired my work and technical ethic and
took with me to UMASS Dartmouth where I learned about design, and a
good many other things. Sure you can learn more technically
working for someone at the bench for six months, than all four
years at college, but how much are you going to learn about design?
Eddie
I agree that there is nothing comparable to a college education
for training the mind, learning to use language and gaining liberal
arts appreciation. The fact that one probably cannot learn a viable
level of skills for a career in jewelry does not take away the
value of college.
However to learn about the jewelry trade to the extent needed to
enter the field as other than a beginner, there are a few choices:
Self study, classes and workshops taught by professionals, on the
job training and a preparatory course in a professional vocational
school which offers training in the jewelry arts.
I for one feel lucky to have gone through college before I had any
idea what I wanted to do (I thought it was psychology or law),
otherwise I probably would have focused all of my energy in one
area to the exclusion of gaining a broad- based foundation for
success in the world at large. Alan
Hi Eddie Nice nickel’s worth. Please read my posting about the
Craft Conference. Maybe we can combine the subject lines.
I believe in learning institutes developing in students the skills
to make their ideas. At this young age what experience can they
draw on? what issues might they dream up to compensate?
I’d rather they took rather less grand concepts and developed the
ability to apply skills as they realise them into objects. then
they have learnt a complete process.
Later they can add techniques and get some world experience, so
each time they do that whole process they will develop their whole
creative process into something solid.
At the moment students learn the hidden agenda is the wackier the
better. Too bad about those who can skillfully and accurately make
into objects their more sober ideas.
After all that’s ‘where they are’.
Brian
B r i a n � A d a m J e w e l l e r y E y e w e a r �
@Brian_Adam1 ph/fx +64 9 817 6816 NEW ZEALAND
Brian Adam Eyewear eyeglasses
Brian Adam Jewellery jewelry
http://www.adam.co.nz/workshop/ teaching workshops
http://www.adam.co.nz/ruthbaird/ wife, and another fab jeweller
I have a little project that I would like to ask for help with. I am
working on developing my web site and would like to devote a portion
of it to creating a reference for finding schools and other training
for various forms of metal work. Eventually I would like this
project to be a searchable database to easily find training by
region, interest, etc.
The part I need help with… Where to find all those schools and
training facilities.
I would greatly appreciate any that any of you have for
schools in your local area, or that you know of.
Please email to: michaelsorchid@aol.com
Thanks
Michael
** Hanuman’s Note **
Check out Ganoksin’s vast reference at: Business Directory - Ganoksin Jewelry Making Community
and Simon’s great website " See Jane Draw " at :
http://www.pathcom.com/~simon/
Please respect the authors’ copyright…
Hanuman
The Tyler School of Art’s web site has a listing of programs. It is
probably not complete enough for you but perhaps it is a start.
Jan
This work has already been done and can be found in the Bead Annual
of Lapidary Journal. See also ABANA if you want to include
blacksmithing See also ads in appropriate magazines.
Elaine
Illinois, USA