SESSION 2:
Fringe, Edge, Strap, Bail,
Surface Embellishment in Jewelry
-- Art or Not?
October 2013
Sun, 10/13/2013 thru Sat, 10/19/2013
ENROLLMENT CLOSED
2015 (TBA)

NARRATIVE SYNOPSIS
(Detailed Itinerary)

If we are to get control over what we make as artists, how do these jewelry elements -- fringe, edge, strap, bail, surface embellishment -- come into play in an appropriate and satisfying way?

Classical art theory would say that these kinds of elements in jewelry should be supplemental to the core piece, such as a pendant or centerpiece.

The pendant is "art", and any fringe, strap, bail, edging or extraneous surface embellishment would merely supplement this. In painting, these kinds of components would equate with the "frame"; in sculpture, these kinds of components would equate with the "pedestal base."

Neither the frame nor the pedestal should be required to be present in order to appreciate the painting or sculpture as art. Nor should these detract. Or compete. Or take center stage. Or overwhelm.

But what about these elements in jewelry -- fringe, edge, straps, bails and surface embellishment? If our goal is to elevate beadwork and jewelry to the realm of art, rather than craft, we need somehow to accommodate, confront or revise this central concept in art theory -- that all these elements must remain supplemental to the centerpiece.

In this workshop, we learn how to make the kinds of choices about fringe, edge, strap, bail, and surface embellishment which elevate our jewelry to the requirements and expectations underlying good art and design.

We will discuss theoretical and application ideas about these jewelry elements/components, as put forth by academics and critics in Craft, in Art, and in Design. We learn multiple beadweaving techniques and applications for fringes, edges, straps, bails and surface embellishment.

This workshop is an intermediate/advanced level. Some previous experience with making jewelry (whether bead stringing, bead weaving or wire working) is required. A comfort using needle and thread, and a knowledge of how to do flat peyote and tubular peyote bead weaving stitches would be very helpful.

You will be making a BezelWorks Pendant, including fringe, edge, strap, bail, and surface embellishment, using the peyote bead weaving stitch.

You will also be working through ideas by experimenting on what I call a Fringe-Edge-Strap Experimental Necklace.

We also will be discussion a jewelry design case study for the Monet's Garden Bracelet. This case study focuses on the design process for fringe, edge and surface embellishment for this bracelet.

LOCATION & ACCOMMODATIONS

APPLICATION and FEES

SUPPLIES LIST