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SPOTLIGHT ON ... ARTICLE
May 2010
Formal education or self-taught?
Finding the right balance, cost, and interest in an arts program
Written by:
Charlene Gray
I've heard it said that a good education is worth every penny. This can be said not just for a scholarly education, but for an arts education as well. When I say arts in this context, I'm talking about arts as it applies to jewelry making and design. There are national and local schools with all kinds of programs from beginner to advanced. National programs can offer high profile instructors from around the world. Local classes can offer a more relaxed, community atmosphere. A formal education may be pricey and not necessarily needed, or a feasible option at this time. If time and money are a big consideration right now, a self-taught course may be the way to go. If you have ever thought of signing up for a class, here are a few things to consider.
Price is usually the biggest factor in deciding where to take a class, especially nowadays. Everyone is watching their money very closely, but it would still be nice to take a class, to interact with others, to have your creativity sparked by the energy and excitement of a room full of other crazy, inspired, like-minded people, right? If price is the biggest factor for you right now, consider a class at your local craft, or independent, store. Some of the big box stores, as well as locally owned stores, offer beading classes. There are a few local bead stores (A local bead store) where I live that offer(s) small classes with personal hands on attention. They have a relaxed atmosphere, and nice location, where you can take your time to master some basic jewelry making techniques. A local art center also offers jewelry making and design classes where you can be surrounded by art while making art! What a fantastic combination!
I decided to go one step further in my quest for education (I am such a geek that way) and attended an 18-month course in jewelry making and design. It was through the local public schools vo-tech program. There was a small class size, and we were all at different levels. Anyone could join the class at any time to start. We enjoyed the camaraderie and we learned from each other. We helped on each others' projects and since everything was a hands on experience, our 'tests' were what we produced. This class took us beyond just wire and beads, to using metals as well as, and in conjunction with, beads. We learned forming, forging, wax casting, stone setting, and cleaning to name a few topics. Cleaning took up quite a bit of our time in class, and I found out real quick that cleaning is a big part of jewelry making. If a piece of jewelry isn't cleaned just right, it won't look right.
There are many national jewelry making and design programs throughout the country as well. Whether on the west coast, Appalachian Mountains in the southeast, or in New England, there are varied programs taught by seasoned experts in their field. Some travel and teach, so check their websites or blogs for dates and times. Others offer scholarships to attend their schools. These are less expensive, and time consuming, than going onto university for a BA or MFA.
And if you don't have the time, or resources, for any of these programs, there is certainly nothing wrong with being self taught. We all have to start somewhere, right? The internet, local bookstores, and library all offer the resources you need to get started. There are blogs, Facebook pages, and websites that abound with information, help, and tips on all kinds of projects. Local bookstores would love to have someone stir up their economy buy browsing, perusing, and purchasing books from them, and the library has always been a great free source of all kinds of information.
Whether schooled or self-taught, there is something available to everyone. Check into what's out there, what's available, prices, schedules, and see what works best for you. How ever you want to pursue your dream of jewelry making and design, there is a program for you.
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A schooled jewelry artist, I work from home finding inspiration in the every day. I like color and keeping things simple. I like to read, and write, about jewelry in its many shapes and forms. You can check out my blog at www.graygirlstudios.blogspot.com |
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