Moving Mountains and Hugging Cacti--with Erik Nakai Buckley

Description:

If working at the size of a coin is an exercise in patience, then fabricating a whole mountainous landscape and a mighty saguaro in a piece so small is an exercise in precision and control.

This class will emphasize fine details, starting with precisely marking work during layout, exploring saw piercing, bur carving, checkering files, stippling tools, and more. Students will fabricate semi-realistic mountains from silver sheet and textured saguaros from silver wires, combining them into a lovely penny-sized silver masterpiece.

Student pre-requisite skills: Students should be comfortable with intermediate level skills in using a jewelers saw and soldering. Basic skills in using a flex-shaft / rotary tool is needed, as well.

All basic metalsmithing fabrication tools are available in studio to share.

Students Should Bring:

Favorite files, pliers, tools.

Solder--Hard, Medium

Instructor Will Provide:

Lunch: Students may enjoy snacks, lunch, beverage in the "living room". Feel free to use the studio refrigerator and microwave. Del Cielo, next door, serves wonderful Mexican food. There are other food venues nearby, though you may be crunched for time if you drive anywhere.

Studio "Pleases"--for safety and comfort

We ask that you store your belongings on / under the bench or near the doorway to allow for ease of movement about the studio.

Wear closed-toed shoes and avoid loose fitting clothing and dangly jewelry. Hair must be tied back.

Arrive 15" early to settle in and sign a waiver.