Iridescent Effects + Metal Patinas – New!
Adult Multi-Week | Available
Besides silver and gold, metal can take on an infinite spectrum of other vivid colors! This class will dive deep into metal oxides, surface effects, heat patinas, and advanced techniques like anodizing to take our jewelry projects to the next level. We will cover a variety of metals from steels, to silver, copper, titanium, and niobium. We will experiment with surface treatments by making sample swatches in metal, and then apply these effects to simple jewelry objects you'll make in class, like earrings, pendants, brooches and more. Previous experience working with metals is not necessary, but recommended.
- No prerequisite classes or experience working with metal is necessary for this class, however having a basic knowledge of working with metals will help you make the most of this process.
- The class will provide all of the tools, chemicals and equipment needed to experiment with patinas, surface treatments and iridescent metal effects. The class will also provide some scrap metal for students to use, however supplies will be limited and students are encouraged to supply their own metals. See supply list for more information.
- All of these processes covered in class are safe, provided they are done in a well ventilated area and with adequate PPE such as safety glasses when needed.
Accessibility notes: Many artmaking processes require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time, fine motor skills/finger dexterity, repetitive motions, vision, and some amount of physical strength. VisArts values making classes accessible to everyone, and is always happy to work with students to make accommodations when possible. Please reach out to info@visarts.org with specific questions related to accessibility or accommodations.
Experimenting with metal patinas does not require much physical work. We will be primarily crafting small metal pieces with basic jewelry tools (ex. sawing, filing, drilling, stamping…) and then using simple chemical dips like ‘liver of sulfur’ to experiment with effects. We will also be using torches for iridescent heat patinas, and anodizing titanium which can be done from the comfort of a chair so long as there is adequate ventilation.
Classes are confirmed one week prior to the start date. In order to help us confirm classes, please register as early as possible.
On-site courses do not come with studio access outside of class time. Paid open studio access is available through our Studio Access Program. Please visit visarts.org for more information.
Stefan Gougherty
Drawing upon his industrial design background, Stefan Gougherty creates jewelry that's both a celebration and critique of human ingenuity. His previous career designing wearable technology informs his metalsmithing process– where practicality, ergonomics, manufacturability and more are synthesized to create highly functional yet unusual art-objects. With a DIY spirit and constant experimentation and prototyping from his home studio, Stefan teaches design and relentlessly tinkers to discover something new.