Sample Book.
Throughout our first semester we were asked to keep a record of our samples and create a samples sketchbook. This could be done however we wanted. I chose to write about each process and include all the samples I could.
The rolling mill is very useful for adding texture and thinning/flattening metal, and can also be used to draw metal wire to different diameters.
The other parts of the rolling mill can also be used to create textures and forms. I liked rolling thin sheet metal through the cogs to get a corrugated effect, and putting thicker sheet metal through the wire part to create even, fine lines, while leaving other textures already applied behind.
Some hammers can be used to add textures. Some have defined patterns or shapes on them, such as the top left on the first image, which used two different texturing hammers; a triangular patterned one and a square patterned one. I also hammered patterns onto the metal using a mallet to see the effect, which turned out much softer than if I had put it through the rolling mill. I also used stamps, which are hammered into the metal to get the shapes. I liked making repeating patterns.
Riveting is very, uh, riveting stuff (sorry, couldn't help myself). I really enjoyed learning the three types we went over.
Practicing soldering with creating jumprings. I really liked making square chain, although it was more difficult to pull off the rod I used to shape it than the circular ones. I used too much solder here.
Etching is a very useful process, which can achieve very organic or structured results. I prefer photo etching to acid etching, as I feel the results are more structured and more in line with the style I go with. I will use acid etching for quickness, as the photo etching needs to sit for 24hrs to harden when initially put on the metal, and then a further two hours once exposed, whereas if just drawing onto the metal, the acid etch can be completed within half an hour.
Cuttlefish and delft casting are both quick, easy methods of producing simple samples. Cuttlefish is very soft and the texture of the bone can be seen in the metal, which is nice as it looks very organic. Delft casting can leave some inconsistencies, like small pits or stones in the metal. I enjoyed doing both methods.
We looked at sustainable patination as well as standard practices. I really enjoyed learning the sustainable ways, and although they took longer to develop in some cases and aren't as bright as the chemical ones, are achievable at home. I also tried flame painting, which is tricky to get right but gives bold, lovely patterns. It's something I want to try more of and improve with, as I think it is very pretty.
Press forming can be achieved three different ways; using the hydraulic press, the flywheel or by hand, with a hammer on an anvil. I really liked doing it by hand, and using the hydraulic press, but the flywheel I found difficult.
My raised vessel from the workshop with Adrian Hope, silversmith. I really enjoyed silversmithing and want to use it in future practice.
