Join me in my "Home Studio" for a more intimate workshop. With a maximum number of 6 students, you will receive more individualized attention. These are geared for all levels and are often a mix of new and returning students.
General Information
Location I teach in my home studio which is located in Marietta, Ga, a suburb north of Atlanta, Ga. We are about 50 minutes from the Atlanta airport (depending on traffic), and there are plenty of hotels and restaurants within 15 minutes of my studio. I can email you a list of hotels and directions.
Description Workshops in my studio are more intimate due to the smaller class size. The maximum amount of students is 6 which leads to quite a bit of one-on-one time with Ricky. My studio is small enough so that, while easily large enough for 6 students, we will be close enough for occasional group discussions as you are working on your pieces. The work space is spread out into three different rooms:
a sink room for choosing and preparing your enamels,
a kiln room for firing, using a torch, sifting, and grinding/polishing,
and a room with desks for you to work on your pieces, watch demonstrations either over Ricky's shoulder or on the large flat screen TV monitor, and participate or just listen to discussions about enameling, art, business, and life in general.
We provide a healthy home-made lunch daily: we've found that it's much easier for out -of-town students. It's nice to get out of the studio for a little while and just relax around the table with some good food. My wife Pat is a great cook and we mix things up so you won't be bored. She can also usually accommodate students with more limiting diets. Pat is also an artist (mixed-media figurative sculpture) with needle felting and other fibers and we usually get to have a show of new work once during one of our lunches.
What you need to bring You hardly need to bring anything. I will provide the materials (enamel, copper, fine silver, foils) which you will be using, along with any other supplies you might need. I will have small tools like tweezers and scissors available for you to borrow or purchase. If you have favorite tools feel free to bring them along. Sometimes it's helpful to try different tools to see which you prefer. You will want to bring along a sketchbook or journal and pen/pencil for any designing or note-taking during the workshop. Lunch is included in the tuition and there is always some fresh fruit for healthy snacks. We have a mini-fridge in the studio to hold any drinks or food you might want to bring along.
Depending on the season, I usually suggest layers of clothing. Of course we have heat and AC, but it's always nice to be able to have some flexibility and be able to control your own comfort level.
What we will use In my personal artwork I use mostly leaded, lump form enamel. This is either from my collection of vintage Thompson enamel (before they discontinued the leaded line) and enamels from Japan. You will learn how to grind enamel from lump and also use 80 mesh enamel colors. Unleaded Thompson opaque enamel is also used for some of our base layers. We will enamel on both copper and fine silver. The enamel and metals are provided as part of your class tuition.
Shop While you are here, you will be able to purchase the small tools you are using, along with other tools and supplies. Depending on availability, leaded lump enamel is also for sale. I usually have silver, gold, and copper foil, pre-enameled copper forms, fine silver cloisonne´ wire, and more. I'm also a representive for JoolTool and Foredom and can offer substantial discount for these products. Occasionally I will have an "almost new" Paragon SC2 kiln available for purchase after the workshop. Please inquire about kiln availability when you book your workshop. And for those of you who love my cloisonne´ jewelry, I provide "student discounts" for purchases during the workshop.
Some FAQ
Can I register online?
There is no registration form available online. You will need to email me to check availability.
Do I need to have any experience?
No, the "Introductory" workshops are designed with the idea that you won't know anything. I've found that many students have preconceptions and rules they have learned which are incorrect or misunderstood. I like to get everyone on the same page from the beginning.
What will I make?
My workshops are not usually "project-based" since I believe that your learning will "stick" if you are more involved in the "thinking about it" process. My goal is not for you to learn how to copy my project; it is too guide you through a learning process which involves both the technical process and the creative process of enameling. I will present many exercises and encourage and challenge you to develop your own projects. Most students really love the freedom to play and rarely want my help. Students usually make 6-10 pieces in a five day workshop. Some of these are small and simple color studies. Other pieces will be more complex cloisonne´ pieces created with lhought and care. Of course what you make will depend on your skill level, how quickly you learn and work, and whether you care more about learning or more about making something you like during the workshop.
What if i have already taken a class with you? Will I make the same things?
I often have returning students who have had life get in the way of their enameling dreams and need some reminders and reinforcement. There is plenty of room for flexibility in these workshops and you will be able to jump in and proceed in the direction and at the level of your choosing, within reason.
What is the cost and how do I pay?
The price of my Studio workshops is $725 which includes a daily lunch, materials, and the use of all necessary tools, such as tweezers, scissors, and paintbrushes. You can choose to borrow the tools or purchase them at the end of the workshop. Depending on how close the workshop date is, a deposit of $350 is required to hold your space. Final payment is due in class. Deposits may be partially refundable (see Refund Policy).