The basic introductory workshop:
Cloisonne´and Enamel Color Layers
Learn enameling basics and then explore the technique of cloisonne´enameling.
Learn to "think about" the WHAT, WHY, and HOW.
Play and have fun while you are learning
Learn to "think about" the WHAT, WHY, and HOW.
Play and have fun while you are learning
You will have the skills and knowledge to be able to make a piece like this by the end of the workshop!
(jewelry-making not included) |
Here is just some of what you will learn.
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A typical 5 day workshop with Ricky Frank
Day One:
- Share and set some goals for the week
- Lesson: "Learning to ask and answer the question "What does it depend on?"
- Introduction to bending cloisonne´wires
- Learn enamel basics (science and skills)
- Prepare an opaque white enamel on copper "canvas"
- Make transparent color samples using silver and gold foil to understand basic transparency and chemical reaction principles
- Learn and practice several transparent enamel "layer and blend" styles to begin developing your enamel vocabulary
Day Two:
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Day Three:
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Day Four:
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Day Five:
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I don't teach a "project-based" workshop.
I want to challenge you to go beyond "what I'm telling you to do". This sometimes cause a little bit of discomfort among students who are used to the teacher giving them a very specific project to complete. There won't be a guarantee that you will make something "good enough if you just do it the right way". You will have to think about and decide upon what you will make. It doesn't have to be "good". In reality, it probably shouldn't be "good" since you are LEARNING. In fact, you will learn much more if you play and experiment with smaller pieces that you don't consider to be "art". How can you make something meaningful if you have not developed an enamel vocabulary yet, or even have any control?
I want to get you out of the "Do it Right" mode of thinking, doing, and making.
When students are able to "let go" of doing it the right way and can just have fun with the enamel, they make a shift from "I need to succeed" to "I want to learn". This allows them to make a change in how they think about what they are making , how they are making it, and what they want to make. This is where the magic begins. Here is how I facilitate this process of transformation:
I want to get you out of the "Do it Right" mode of thinking, doing, and making.
When students are able to "let go" of doing it the right way and can just have fun with the enamel, they make a shift from "I need to succeed" to "I want to learn". This allows them to make a change in how they think about what they are making , how they are making it, and what they want to make. This is where the magic begins. Here is how I facilitate this process of transformation:
- I will show you some basic skills and demonstrate some important scientific principles.
- I will describe what is "happening inside of my head" as I am making my pieces.
- I will invite you to "just do it" and give you permission to make mistakes and fail.
- I will encourage you to make "BAD" enamels to help you get over your fears of beginning.
- When you come to me with a question, I will almost always respond with the one honest answer: "It depends". And then I will ask you to think about what it depends on so that you can learn how to answer your own questions.
- I will point out all of the "mini-successes" you have achieved which will help you build your confidence..
- I will invite you to connect to what you are making, to think about why you CARE about it, and suggest that you exaggerate something to make it more expressive.
- I will encourage you to just play. In this way you will learn what is possible and what your like.
By mid-way through the week, you are answering your own questions and need little help at all. Your confidence will grow, and if you are like many students, you will not even want any help. You will embrace and enjoy the process of self-discovery. You will have learned to think for yourself! It is incredible for me to watch your growing sense of freedom and confidence blossom right in front of my eyes. By the end of the week, you will be amazed when you see how DIFFERENT and INTERESTING the pieces are. It's because the artwork comes from YOU and not from ME.
Check out the variety of pieces made in my Introduction to Cloisonne´workshops.
Some students had NO enamel or art experience, while some had some art experience but little enamel experience.
Some students had NO enamel or art experience, while some had some art experience but little enamel experience.