Metals Summer Session 6
July 31–August 12
Melis Agabigum and Joshua Kosker
Material Hierarchy: From Gold to Glue
From gold to glue, this workshop will explore material hierarchy within a contemporary jewelry practice by challenging preconceived notions about the emotional impact of material choices and the aesthetic power and status we associate with certain materials. We’ll investigate the role of materiality in creative practices through readings and discussions, formal studies designed to cultivate idea development, and technical explorations. Demonstrations will cover gold plating, the experimental use of nontraditional materials, various pin back assemblies, and creative ways of integrating settings and mechanisms. We’ll also cover basic techniques such as sawing, filing, and soldering. Using these concepts and techniques, students will create a unique series of jewelry objects. Bring an open mind and an imaginative approach to how material decisions can impact and alter meaning. All levels. Upper metals studio.
Joshua: visiting assistant professor at Indiana University; other teaching: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bowling Green State University (OH), Touchstone Center for Crafts (PA); exhibitions: Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design (Estonia), Benaki Museum (Greece), Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (TX); publications: Metalsmith, American Craft, Narrative Jewelry: Tales from the Toolbox.
joshuakosker.com | @joshuakosker
Melis: visiting assistant professor at Earlham College; other teaching: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, San Francisco State University, Boise State University (ID); exhibitions: Walker Art Center (Minneapolis), ARCUB Gabroveni (Romania), Benaki Museum (Greece), Alliages Gallery (France), Soil Gallery (Seattle), Pistachios Contemporary Art Jewelry (Chicago); publications: Art Jewelry Forum.
