To sign up click the button below or copy and paste:
https://metalartsacademy.com/product/2-week-chasing-intensive/

2 week intensive sculptural chasing workshop:

This is the 2024 workshop I’m the most excited for, at no other event can I offer so much during one course. This two week intensive exploration of high relief sheet metal sculpture will cover all the techniques I need to accomplish the unique aspects of my work. We will be learning how to use raising and shaping stakes in combination with chasing, repousse, and uchidashi techniques to make high relief sculptures. 

What to expect:

If you have not worked with me in person before, the way I run workshops of this nature is to begin everyone with a thoroughly structured warm up project. This allows us a day or two to cover the tooling, the pitch, material sciences, technique and design strategy. As well as allowing me time to learn where everyone is coming from in the class.
The second project will be an open discussion based on the individuals strengths and interests.
I have a wide variety of intermediate to advanced designs that can be chosen, or you can try and tackle your own design after discussing it with me first. 

This is one of the things that makes this workshop so special is that we will have the extra time for me to be there helping folks through the challenges of their own design.

Be Prepared:

If you plan to attempt your own design I would strongly encourage you to have drawings and reference photos prepared in advance. I personally think it’s a pretty big challenge to ask someone to try and sculpt something they have not drawn before.
So be prepared to draw and be prepared to sculpt. We will have modeling clay and sculpting tools on hand for folks as well in order to rough out their ideas if you are a more visual thinker.

The nature of metal sculpture is loud and very physical.
Be prepared to swing a hammer 7-8 hours a day for many days in a row.
Earring protection will be provided but if you have any personalized ear or safety equipment you cannot live without then be sure to bring it.

And as always I would recommend bringing any kind of sketchbook. It is our number one tool to never be without.

Timeline:

This course starts June 18th and concludes on June 28th.

Two weeks is a longtime to go without breaks with such physical work.
So Sunday, June 23rd, will be our day off to rest or sight see. That will offer us 10 days (two 5 day sessions) to hammer and sculpt to our hearts content without working ourselves to exhaustion. 

Everyday class will start at 8am, we’ll break for a 45-60 minute lunch at 12:30pm, and class will close at 5pm.

Tooling/Materials Provided:

All of the hammers, shaping stakes, chasing punch sets, pitch bowls, as well as safety equipment will be on hand for us. Everything I would need to accomplish my artwork will be available for our class.

Everyone will be provided with a few pieces of 18ga-16ga (approx 1mm-1.6mm) copper for the warm up and second project.
If you choose to make your own custom piece that has a larger unique size/thickness or different metal type we can arrange that as an additional material fee to meet your needs.  

Our host:

Meet Metal Arts Academy! I have worked with our hosts for many years and cannot speak more highly of them! Check out their new larger location as well as all the other classes they offer!
https://www.instagram.com/metal_arts_academy/
https://metalartsacademy.com/
Address:
337 Commercial Street #100
Auburn, CA 95603
Contact:
(530) 820-3278
metalartsacademy@gmail.com

To sign up click the button below or copy and paste: https://metalartsacademy.com/product/vessels/

Raising is one of the keys to opening many doors for deeper relief in sheet metal sculpture. Whether you’re making teapots or battle armour it is still nearly unrivaled for providing a sculptor with the access to shape sheet metal.

Vessels are a universally human need, the diversity of construction and use of vessels are almost limitless. A particular professional interest of mine has always been vessels and how they were made. Particularly vessels made from a single piece of material, and that is what we are tackling in this class. 
How to raise a vessel from a single piece of metal using traditional hammering techniques.

We will cover vessel design, purpose, and decoration. However the focus of the course is specifically the efficient hammering technique and understanding the game of leverage needed to raise a vessel over shaping stakes. This is not sinking or dishing but true exploration of vessel construction over raising stakes.

What can you expect from this course and what you will need:

-Raising is very physical work, you’ll need to be fit enough to swing a 16 ounce hammer all day.

-This is a very good introduction to metal sculpting and will be suitable for all levels of metal workers.
-The material, shaping stakes, and raising/planishing hammers will all be provided.
-Hearing protection will be provided as this hammering is noisy work, however if you have your own more comfortable hearing protection you are welcome to bring it.

I could not live without this skill set, it literally crosses over into all of my sculptures. I started working with shaping stakes way before I even knew what chasing was and it is still the integral foundation for everything I make. I’m very excited to see how this will compliment your work and look forward to making some vessels with you!

Our host:

Meet Metal Arts Academy! I have worked with our hosts for many years and cannot speak more highly of them! Check out their new larger location as well as all the other classes they offer!
https://www.instagram.com/metal_arts_academy/
https://metalartsacademy.com/
Address:
337 Commercial Street #100
Auburn, CA 95603
Contact:
(530) 820-3278
metalartsacademy@gmail.com

To sign up click the button below or copy and paste:
https://vablacksmithing.org/intro-to-the-art-of-chasing-april-22-26-2024-19087/

Intro to the Art of Chasing: An exploration of metal relief sculpture.

Chasing is a style of relief work in sheet metal that can be applied to almost anything. From teapots to battle armour it has been used to create sculptural narrative in metal throughout human history.

For me, the art of chasing is a beautiful fusion between illustration and sculpture. The ability to transform any drawing into a three-dimensional form is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of relief work.

In this 5 day course, we’ll be focusing on building a knowledge base of different chasing techniques, material control, pitch management, and how to use illustration and design to compliment relief work in sheet metal.

Participants can expect to work on up to two projects in 18ga (approx 1mm) copper. The first project is a structured follow-along design matched to the individual’s skill level. If there is time the second project will be assigned on an individual basis to best complement their growth and interests.

Participants can be expected to draw, it is not a prerequisite as there are many projects that can be traced but drawing is highly encouraged. As sheet metal is shaped it distorts and changes in volume requiring the maker to redraw elements of the design by hand. Certain intermediate to advanced designs can only be made this way, but not to worry if drawing is a newer skill set as we have many available projects that only require tracing.

Participants can be expected to swing a hammer for 7-8 hours a day, the hammers are not very heavy but it should be kept in mind that it is very physical work.

All skill levels are welcome!

Learn about our hosts the Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing!

https://vablacksmithing.org/

https://www.instagram.com/vablacksmithing
https://www.facebook.com/vablacksmithing.org/

Address:
724 N Augusta Ave
Waynesboro, VA 22980
Contact:
434-960-9718
info@vablacksmithing.org

Tue 26 Mar 2024 9:00 AM - Sat 30 Mar 2024 5:00 PM

To sign up click the button below or copy and paste:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/timothypuddephatt/1124500

High relief Chasing: An exploration of metal relief sculpture.

If you are new to chasing it is a style of relief work in sheet metal that can be applied to almost anything. From teapots to battle armour it has been used to create sculptural narrative in metal throughout human history.

For me, the art of chasing is a beautiful fusion between illustration and sculpture. The ability to transform any drawing into a three-dimensional form is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of relief work.

What you can expect from this course:
We'll be focusing on building a knowledge base of different chasing techniques, material control, pitch management, and how to use illustration and design to compliment low to high relief work in sheet metal.

Participants can expect to work on up to two projects in 18ga (approx 1mm) copper. The first project is usually a structured follow along design matched to the individual's skill level. If there is time the following projects will be assigned on an individual basis to best complement their growth and interests.
If participants have already taken one of my workshops or completed one of my warm up projects before and are comfortable with tackling something more challenging then they may start a more complicated project immediately.

You may be expected to draw:
It is not a prerequisite as there are many projects that can be traced but drawing is highly encouraged. As sheet metal is shaped it distorts and changes in volume requiring the maker to redraw elements of the design by hand. Certain intermediate to advanced designs can only be made this way, but not to worry if drawing is a newer skill set as we have many available projects that only require tracing.

Bringing a sketchbook or notebook is encouraged.

You may be expected to sculpt in clay:
If your interest is to accomplish your own design in class my prerequisite for that is you must be able to draw your design. You can have this done in advance if you’d like.
In class we will discuss and plan a depth guide for your design with more drawings and a proof sculpture to act as a guide. This method of planning I’ll be teaching is a great practice and an important skill for deeper relief work. Plus it’s a lot of fun to do which is always ideal.

As mentioned, tooling and materials will be provided for the duration of the course. If you have some of your own tooling you are of course welcome to bring what you are comfortable with.

You are most welcome to bring your own safety gear such as ear and eye protection to make yourself more comfortable as well.

This style of work can happen at any scale so bringing an optivisor or other optical magnification could also be a good idea but is not a must. Though if you think you may struggle with working small the magnification is very helpful.

Class will run from 9am to 5:30pm with a one hour lunch break at 12:30pm.
Participants can be expected to swing a hammer for 7-8 hours a day, the hammers are not very heavy but it should be kept in mind that it is very physical work.

All skill levels are welcome!

Learn about our host!

http://www.thefootofironforge.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/thefootofiron/

Address:
Unit 2 Northhouse, Callywhite Lane, Dronfield, S18 2XR, S18 2XR

To sign up click the button below or copy and paste this link:
https://metalartsacademy.com/product/2-day-intro-to-chasing/

INTRO TO CHASING: The art of sheet metal relief.

In this introduction to the world of sheet metal manipulation we will be exploring pitch management, chisel/punch design, and hammer control. We will be moving at a beginner to intermediate pace. I have lots of projects for us to choose from and I will encourage everyone to challenge themselves. The idea of this workshop is to become familiar with design techniques as well as material sciences involved in chasing, repousse, and uchidashi. 

Participants can expect to work on up to two projects in 18ga (approx 1mm) copper. The first project is a structured follow along design matched to the individual's skill level. If there is time the following projects will be assigned on an individual basis to best complement their growth and interests. It is not unusual to require both days to complete one project. Even though a two day course can feel pressured for time I have always been able to make our limited time together inviting, comprehensive, and fulfilling.

Participants can be expected to draw, it is not a prerequisite as there are many projects that can be traced but drawing is highly encouraged. As sheet metal is shaped it distorts and changes in volume requiring the maker to redraw elements of the design by hand. Certain intermediate to advanced designs can only be made this way, but not to worry if drawing is a newer skill set as we have many available projects that only require tracing.

Bringing a sketchbook or notebook is encouraged.

All tooling and materials will be provided.

You are most welcome to bring your own safety gear such as ear and eye protection to make yourself more comfortable, but safety gear can also be provided on site.

Participants can be expected to swing a hammer for 7-8 hours a day, the hammers are not very heavy but it should be kept in mind that it is very physical work.

All skill levels welcome!

Our host:

Meet Metal Arts Academy! I have worked with our hosts for many years and cannot speak more highly of them! Check out their new larger location as well as all the other classes they offer!
https://www.instagram.com/metal_arts_academy/
https://metalartsacademy.com/
Address:
337 Commercial Street #100
Auburn, CA 95603
Contact:
(530) 820-3278
metalartsacademy@gmail.com

Click below or copy and paste this link to sign up!
https://www.urbanmetalstudio.com/classes-workshops/p/5-day-chasing-workshop-with-douglas-pryor-monday-feb-12-friday-feb-16-2024

5 day chasing workshop Urban Metal Studios in Mesa, AZ:

Chasing is a style of relief work in sheet metal that can be applied to almost anything. From tea pots to battle armour it has been used to create sculptural narrative in metal throughout human history.

For me the art of chasing is a beautiful fusion between illustration and sculpture. The ability to transform any drawing into a three dimensional form is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of relief work.

In this 5 day chasing course at Urban Metal Studio we’ll be focusing on building a knowledge base of different chasing techniques, material control, pitch management, and how to use illustration and design to compliment relief work in sheet metal.

Participants can expect to work on up to two-three projects in 18ga (approx 1mm) copper. The first project is a structured follow along design matched to the individual's skill level. If there is time the following projects will be assigned on an individual basis to best complement their growth and interests.

Participants can be expected to draw, it is not a prerequisite as there are many projects that can be traced but drawing is highly encouraged. As sheet metal is shaped it distorts and changes in volume requiring the maker to redraw elements of the design by hand. Certain intermediate to advanced designs can only be made this way, but not to worry if drawing is a newer skill set as we have many available projects that only require tracing.

Bringing a sketchbook or notebook is encouraged.

Tooling and materials will be provided.

You are most welcome to bring your own safety gear such as ear and eye protection to make yourself more comfortable.

This style of work can happen at any scale so bringing an optivisor or other optical magnification could also be a good idea but not a must. Though if you think you may struggle with working small the magnification is very helpful.

Participants can be expected to swing a hammer for 7-8 hours a day, the hammers are not very heavy but it should be kept in mind that it is very physical work.

All skill levels welcome!

Learn more about our hosts Urban Metal Studio!

https://www.instagram.com/urbanmetalstudio
https://www.facebook.com/urbanmetalstudio
https://www.urbanmetalstudio.com/

Location:
33 S Sycamore, Ste 1
Mesa, AZ 85202
info@urbanmetalstudio.com

To sign up click the button below or copy and paste:
https://metalartsacademy.com/product/intro-to-chasing/

About the course:
Chasing is a style of relief work in sheet metal that can be applied to almost anything. From tea pots to battle armour it has been used to create sculptural narrative in metal throughout human history.

For me the art of chasing is a beautiful fusion between illustration and sculpture. The ability to transform any drawing into a three dimensional form is one of the most exciting and challenging aspects of relief work.

In this 3 day course we’ll be focusing on building a knowledge base of different chasing techniques, material control, pitch management, and how to use illustration and design to compliment relief work in sheet metal.

Participants can expect to work on up to two projects in 18ga (approx 1mm) copper. The first project is a structured follow along design matched to the individual's skill level. If there is time the second project will be assigned on an individual basis to best complement their growth and interests.

Participants can be expected to draw, it is not a prerequisite as there are many projects that can be traced but drawing is highly encouraged. As sheet metal is shaped it distorts and changes in volume requiring the maker to redraw elements of the design by hand. Certain intermediate to advanced designs can only be made this way, but not to worry if drawing is a newer skill set as we have many available projects that only require tracing.

Participants can be expected to swing a hammer for 7-8 hours a day, the hammers are not very heavy but it should be kept in mind that it is very physical work.

All skill levels welcome!

Penland School of Craft
https://penland.org/
Metal Department
SUMMER SESSION 5
JULY 16–28, 2023

To sign up or get on the wait list please visit:

https://penland.orbund.com/einstein-freshair/scart/available_class_list_by_course.jsp?id=63&subjectid=4012238&pageType=0

Explorations in Sculptural Chasing

The art of chasing is a love language between illustration and sculpture. In this workshop we’ll integrate the best of both worlds as we explore detailed relief work in sheet metal. We’ll mix elements of raising, repoussé, and the Japanese technique of uchidashi to create a knowledge base of low- and high-relief work. Students can expect to complete at least two projects in copper. The first will be a structured follow-along design matched to the individual’s skill level. The second project, also a follow-along design, will be assigned to match each person’s interests.
All levels. Lower metals studio.

3 day workshop in San Jose CA!

Location:
School of Visual Philosophy 1065 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126
Webiste: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/school-of-visual-philosophy-12276936165

To sign up please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/explorations-in-sculptural-chasing-tickets-551847108557?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Overview

The art of chasing is a love language between illustration and sculpture. Transforming a drawing into a three dimensional form is the most challenging aspect of relief work but it is also the most exciting.

In this course we will be integrating the best of both worlds to explore detailed relief work in sheet metal. We will practice mixing elements of raising, uchidashi, and repousse in order to create a knowledge base of low and high relief work.

We will be exploring pitch management, chisel design, material plasticity, and design strategy for chasing. The class is designed to move at a beginner to intermediate pace.

Participants can expect to work on up to two projects in 18ga (approx 1mm) copper. The first project is a structured follow along design matched to the individual's skill level. If there is time the second project will be assigned on an individual basis to best complement their growth and interests.

Participants can be expected to draw, it is not a prerequisite as there is a lot of tracing for the follow along projects but it is highly encouraged. If you plan to make your own idea in class for the second project you must be able to draw it.

*Participants can be expected to swing a hammer for 7-8 hours a day, the hammers are not very heavy but it should be kept in mind that it is very physical work.

All skill levels welcome!

Materials

All materials will be provided to students.

FAQ's

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Due to the physical nature of blacksmithing, we have a 14 year old minimum age restriction and we ask that for children under 18, parents sign a release of liability waiver. This is an intro level workshop. There are no prerequisites.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Visual Philosophy has a parking lot available to attendees in the rear of the building accessible via Julian St. HWY 280, 87 and Diridon Caltrain station are very close.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

The School of Visual Philosophy can be reached via email at info@visualphilosophystudio.com or by calling 831-205-3406.

Vessel Raising

Vessels are a universally human need, the diversity of construction and use of vessels are almost limitless. A particular professional interest of mine has always been vessels and how they were made. Particularly vessels made from a single piece of material, and that is what we are tackling in this class. 

How to raise a vessel from a single piece of metal using traditional hammering techniques.

We will cover vessel design, purpose, and decoration. However the focus of the course is specifically the efficient hammering technique and understanding the game of leverage needed to raise a vessel over shaping stakes. This is not sinking or dishing but true exploration of vessel construction over raising stakes.

What can you expect from this course and what you will need:

-Raising is very physical work, you’ll need to be fit enough to swing a 16 ounce hammer all day.

-This is a very good introduction to metal sculpting and will be suitable for all levels of metal workers.

-The material, shaping stakes, and raising/planishing hammers will all be provided.

-Hearing protection will be provided as this hammering is noisy work, however if you have your own more comfortable hearing protection you are welcome to bring it. 

To sign up please visit:
https://metalartsacademy.com/product/vessels/

To contact our hosts with any questions:
https://metalartsacademy.com/contact-us/

I could not live without this skill set, it literally crosses over into all of my sculptures. I started working with shaping stakes way before I knew what chasing was and it is still the integral foundation for everything I make. I’m very excited to see how this will compliment your work and look forward to making some vessels with you!

We’ll be focusing on the fundamentals of chisel technique, hammer control, pitch management, and how to use design to compliment our medium. You will have the option of what your project will be after our short warm up project.

The warm up allows us to go over the pitch and all the tooling provided. We’ll have time to adjust the techniques to suit a small subject of your choosing. It helps to choose something that will fit in the palm of your hand, anything larger and we might need longer than our workshop accommodates. Of course if you want suggestions with more guidance to test the techniques given I have plenty to choose from that already have walk-throughs to guide us as we go.

This course is short and comprehensive, ran at very accommodating speed by experienced hosts. Join us for some creativity and laughs, brighten your world with your own good works.

All tooling provided.

All materials provided.

You can bring your own ear protection to make yourself more comfortable but we’ll have some spares.

Wear clothing you are able to work in.

You could also bring a lunch however there are plenty of local options ranging from Thai food to deli’s.

Only Six seats available.

To sign up please visit:

https://metalartsacademy.com/event/intro-to-chasing-art-of-the-chisel-with-douglas-pryor/#tribe-tickets

Or email our hosts:
https://metalartsacademy.com/contact-us/

2 day vessel raising workshop
Hosted by Metal Arts Academy
Sept 10-11

Cost: $350

Register at https://metalartsacademy.com/event/vessels-with-douglas-pryor/


Or send them an email to check availability: info@metalartsacademy.com

Vessels are a universally human need, the diversity of construction and use of vessels are almost limitless. A particular professional interest of mine has always been vessels and how they were made. Particularly vessels made from a single piece of material, and that is what we are tackling in this class. 

How to raise a vessel from a single piece of metal using traditional hammering techniques.We will cover vessel design, purpose, and decoration. However the focus of the course is specifically the efficient hammering technique and understanding the game of leverage needed to raise a vessel over shaping stakes. This is not sinking or dishing but true exploration of vessel construction over raising stakes.

Tickets for this event: https://www.calsmith.org/event-4379489#dem

The first CBA conference in 2 years! I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of folks I haven’t in a good while. Hope to see you there too!

I’m very fortunate to be one of the demonstrators to this event and hope to share as much as I can.
There is also quite a line up of talent who will be demonstarting at the confernece: Monica Coyne, Peter Braspennix, The Bushey Brothers Jesse and Aaron, and with a special guest from Italy.
The CBA teaching Team - Lead by Mark Aspery with John Williams and Victoria Ritter.

I’ve been given permission to demo anything and everything I can, so I’m focusing on a few favorites and relevant styles and shapes to me.

I’ll be showing how I shaped the Crocodile scutes with hot chisel work followed by cold unbacked chasing as this style has been a large part of my last year.

How to sculpt and chase a human eye in a pitch bowl, this is a great way to get started in figurative work which is a favorite place to study for me. I’ll be using this a chance to talk about the greater world of drawing and sculpting and how it helps chasers plan and design work.

And I hope to have time to demo one more style of work and integrate it into a special something for the Cba auction which raises money for their educational programs and keeps all the wheels turning.

The pieces bellow are a few I’ve brought to past spring conferences.
Hope to see you there!

We’ll be focusing on the fundamentals of chisel technique, hammer control, pitch management, and how to use design to compliment our medium. You will have the option of what your project will be after our short warm up project.

The warm up allows us to go over the pitch and all the tooling provided. We’ll have time to adjust the techniques to suit a small subject of your choosing. It helps to choose something that will fit in the palm of your hand, anything larger and we might need longer than our workshop accommodates. Of course if you want suggestions with more guidance to test the techniques given I have plenty to choose from that already have walk-throughs to guide us as we go.

This course is short and comprehensive, ran at very accommodating speed by experienced hosts. Join us for some creativity and laughs, brighten your world with your own good works.

All tooling provided.

All materials provided.

You can bring your own ear protection to make yourself more comfortable but we’ll have some spares.

Wear clothing you are able to work in.

You could also bring a lunch however there are plenty of local options ranging from Thai food to deli’s.

Cost: 350.00 per person. Only Six seats available.

To sign up please visit:

https://metalartsacademy.com/event/intro-to-chasing-art-of-the-chisel-with-douglas-pryor/#tribe-tickets

Or email our hosts:
https://metalartsacademy.com/contact-us/

Friday, October 22th - Sunday, October 24th (9am-5pm)

Price - $450
To register:
http://www.ntxba.org/2021springclasses.php

In this introduction to the world of sheet metal manipulation. We will be exploring pitch management, chisel design and hammer control moving at a beginner to intermediate pace. I have lots of projects for us to choose from and will encourage everyone to challenge themselves. The idea of this workshop is to become familiar with design techniques as well as material sciences involved in chasing and repousse.

This is a 3-day class.
There will be a lunch break each day. There are plenty of restaurants in the area.

I will be supplying the tool sets for class so you don’t have to buy. They are however available for purchase after class.

Please bring your own pitch bowl and pitch or contact us for assistance in acquiring them.
A pitch bowl and current membership is required to take this class.

Event location:
Brookhaven Community College in Farmers Branch
3939 Valley View Ln,
Farmers Branch, TX 75244
972.860.4700

The community college is located near the intersection of 635 and Dallas North Tollway.
Classes will occur in and around building F. Recommended parking is in Lot P5. Please contact us to inquire about local accommodations if you are from out of town.

If you have any questions, please post them under the relevant event page on the
NTXBA Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ntxba/

Alternatively, please contact the NTXBA if you wish to use some other form of payment and registration. If you wish to mail a check, please send it to:
NTXBA attn: Harold Hoskins,
908 Lakeview Dr.,
Joshua, TX 76058

To sign up visit: https://www.genevieveflynn.com/class-signup/scientific-illustrations-douglas-pryor-instructor

Dates: October 4-8, 2021 Class 9am-5pm daily

Chasing and Repoussé: Scientific Illustrations

Refining our Chasing and Repoussé technique through the observations and study of scientific illustrations. Our focus will be on a variety of plants and insects, and the how to use complementary material sciences to accomplish dramatic and realistic reliefs in sheet metal. This workshop is suitable for any experience level, which is the beauty of studying nature, there is something for everyone.

Be prepared to do a little drawing and sculpting, please bring ear protection and suitable clothing. And lastly do think about what plant or insects you would like to spend a week observing. I have a variety of projects available to choose from as well if you would rather make a choice on site.

All tooling provided, the appropriate chisels and hammers, and clay will all be provided.
Chisel sets will be available for purchase at the end of class.

MATERIAL LIST FOR STUDENTS TO BRING TO CLASS

Plain white paper, tracing paper, drawing pencils, 5”x5” square 18 gauge copper sheet (2 pieces), Pitch bowl approximately 7-8” wide filled with a medium grade pitch, magnification such as reading glasses or OPTIVISORS. PLEASE KNOW THAT Genevieve Flynn Studio IS HAPPY TO PROVIDE ANYTHING THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO. BUT KNOW THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASKING AT LEAST A MONTH IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE THAT THE MATERIALS REQUESTED WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR YOU. STUDENTS WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANYTHING THAT WOULD NEED TO BE ORDERED I.E. COPPER SHEET, OPTIVISIOR ETC. IF A STUDENT DOES PREORDER MATERIALS THROUGH Genevieve Flynn Studio YOU WILL BE ASKED TO PAY THE STUDIO DIRECTLY UPON THE START OF THE CLASS. CASH OR CHECK WOULD BE PREFERRED. IF A CREDIT CARD IS USED A 3% SURCHARGE WILL BE ADDED TO THE FEE OF THE ITEM PURCHASED AS WELL AS SALES TAX. THE STUDIO HAS 2-3 PITCH BLOCKS WITH ITALIAN BLACK PITCH FOR USE DURING CLASS. THIS IS A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

A letter from Douglas to prepare everyone for class:

”Hello everyone!

I am very much looking forward to working with you all at our upcoming workshop Chasing and Repoussé: Scientific Illustrations!
So what is a scientific illustration? Generally speaking it is a drawing or illustration in the service of accurate observations, accurate enough to where our drawings can become a tool for study. With this attitude we are going to select something from nature to study through the sculpting medium chasing.
Some things to keep in mind and some things I’ll need you to have for the workshop:

You will need a subject to study.
This could be a flower, or an insect, a piece of fruit, all three put together, you name it. I recommend picking something that you genuinely care about because you will be dedicating quite a bit of time to making it. So choose something that will display your curiosity and passion.
There are of course some natural limitations to what we can accomplish within 5 days so do keep that in mind while you explore around for a subject. You will want to pick something that is not so complicated that you cannot sculpt it in our time constraints, or something that will not easily fit within your pitch bowl/tray. 

You will need references.

Once you have selected something to study, the treasure hunt begins! You will need references for what you have chosen. This can take many many forms, photo’s off the internet and physical models are the most common. If you are working from photo’s make sure you have many angles and high resolutions of the subject in person with you for the workshop. This could be from your sketchbook, paper printouts, or photos displayed from a tablet or ipad. Modern technology is amazing but you probably will be a lot happier if you are working with something larger than a phone, a tablet or the like is a great option if it’s available to you. Personally I still go with paper references while working in the studio but I will also keep copies of those pictures on my phone so that if I run into a question I can zoom in on the photos (which is why the higher resolution your photos the better).

If you found an accurate plastic or resin model of something you can bring that with you too. Some examples could be a 3d printed skull, an anatomical heart, a cast of an insect, ect.

In some circumstances even live models are welcome. This is easiest with plants and insects. Say you found a dead dragonfly in the back garden and wanted to use it as a model that would be most appropriate. Depending on how you are traveling for this event, something as fragile as a dead dragonfly may take some preparation to bring with you but you get the idea of what I mean by a “live model.”

You will need a drawing.
Once you have chosen a subject (or a few) you will need to draw it. It does not have to be a perfect drawing but it should describe the composition of what you are seeing and want to accurately show. When you are composing your subject do your best to make it fit within the piece of metal you are using (5”x5” piece of copper). You will also need to give yourself space from the edge of the metal, the quick rule I use is however tall you want your sculpture to be make sure you have at least that much room from the edge of your tile of copper. So if I want a half inch tall sculpture I will give myself at least (sometimes even a little more) a half inch of room from the edge of the metal to the edge of the sculpture. 

If you have trouble with drawing please let me know. For educational purposes you can trace off of a picture to model from. I have attached some drawings to this email I have done in the past for projects to demonstrate how simple they can be, in fact sometimes too much information on a drawing for chasing can be unhelpful. This is because the extra information gets in the way of you seeing the form of the subject.

An easy example would be fur on a mammal, fine fur is a detail you add last when your sculpture is finished. The fine fur texture looks amazing but doesn’t add much for the sculptural relief itself. So you will need to think of those furry mammals' primary shapes and forms without the fur while you are drawing. Later when you are ready to add the fur you can pencil them in at the end or on another copy of your drawing. 

If you have questions about this process please reach out to me, be assured we will cover more of this in person but feel free to contact me with questions. 

Folks will be bringing a lot of their own tools, I will be bringing a lot for us as well, everyone will be well supplied but your drawing and what you choose to study is something that I cannot make for you. That is to say, I do have example projects that if you wanted to have a “on rails” experience, just following a step by step project to explore the tools, we can make that happen. I’m not trying to force anyone to jump into the deep end if you’re not feeling prepared to do so. However the heart of a scientific study is to explore a subject through observation, and doing your own drawing means you get to add a personal touch to your work. My shorter workshops do not have the time to deep dive into a more personal project like what we will be attempting together in this workshop. It is an exciting opportunity that I am looking forward to exploring and guiding you through!

Again if you have any questions about your drawing or subject you chose, or want me to proof your drawing please send me an email at Pryorcreationsllc@gmail.com .

Wishing you all the best! See you in a few weeks!

-Douglas Pryor”

2 day vessel raising workshop
Hosted by Metal Arts Academy
Sept 23-24
Cost: $350

Register at https://metalartsacademy.com/event/vessels-with-douglas-pryor/


Or send them an email to check availability: info@metalartsacademy.com

Vessels are a universally human need, the diversity of construction and use of vessels are almost limitless. A particular professional interest of mine has always been vessels and how they were made. Particularly vessels made from a single piece of material, and that is what we are tackling in this class. 

How to raise a vessel from a single piece of metal using traditional hammering techniques.We will cover vessel design, purpose, and decoration. However the focus of the course is specifically the efficient hammering technique and understanding the game of leverage needed to raise a vessel over shaping stakes. This is not sinking or dishing but true exploration of vessel construction over raising stakes.

Re-opened!
PLEASE CONTACT THE APPALACHIAN CENTER FOR CRAFT TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN CLASS.

High Relief Chasing: The Art of the Chisel

Week long event at Appalachian Center for Craft:  July 25-30, 2021 

Register at:
https://www.tntech.edu/fine-arts/craftcenter/workshops/summer/metals.php

Cost: $660

The options are limitless for creating objects with chisel work. Focus on the demands and strengths of high relief chasing which requires planning and sculpting ability. Practice on paper and clay in order to study the material demands of sheet metal. Dive deep into chisel design, chisel control, pitch management and composition. To make work you've never made before, you must push yourself as much as you push your medium. Push your limits in this comprehensive workshop.

This class level is Intermediate, must have drawing skills. Drawing is a must because we will use very limited “tracing/line work” to accomplish our sculptures.

I will be supplying the tool sets for class so you don’t have to buy them.
They are however available for per-purchase at Hesseniron.com/jewelry-tools.html or after the class in person.