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More on Now Roots

15/05/2013
workshop
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NOW ROOTS is a  workshop where we will discover and explore the identity of the maker. We will tune you on your personal roots. Guide you on the way to dig deeper into your own language.
When we operate from the depth of our roots we generate strength and energy that leads to your form language. It is essential for an artist to draw from this inner force. Together we will search for your personal roots. This means that you will get in contact with yourself, and learn to focus on your personal roots, freedom and drive. We will guide you to your basic experience, teach you to formulate your own positions, and support you in translating this into making art and fine art jewellery.

NOW ROOTS is about taking another space at our contemporary experience of making, a statement about how you can relate to your own inner force. Artists and students are stimulated to produce work around this idea. By doing so, it is important that not only rational reflection, but also the subconscious enters into the work process. Ultimately, fine art jewellery remains a frame of reference.

NOW ROOTS  is built on step-by-step education in which the end product is not the most important goal. “The goal is the means and the means is the goal” (M. Gandhi).
The emphasis lies on personal guidance and development.
The participants are given the tools with which to continue the process on their own. By means of direct action people learn to make steps.

NOW ROOTS is about living together, cooking together, discuss, develop and make.

Dates: 12–18 August, 2013. 9.00-20.00 hrs total 60 hrs teaching
The course starts: Monday 12th  August 2013, 10.00 hrs.
The course ends: Sunday 18th  August 2013, after breakfast.
Departure: Sunday 18th August 2013, 10.00 hrs.
Place: Summer studio, Ravenstein.
Accommodations: 2 / 4 person rooms, St. Laurenshoeve, Ravenstein.
Price: Including accommodation, meals and insurance.
Inclusive 21 % VAT Tax: € 2100,–

Registration: Please mail to: info@ruudtpeters.nl

Max. Number of participants: 12
Language: English, German, Dutch,
Registration closes: July 12th  , 2013
Participation: Registrations are processed in the order in which they arrive.
Deposit: Upon acceptance the participant will make a deposit of € 1100,-before 1st of April 2013
This sum confirms the participation and is not refundable.

The 2013 Weekend Course Programme

05/02/2013
Uncategorized, weekend courses, workshop
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Finally the programme for the weekend courses spring/summer is ready.It has taken some time but here we are with some great new ones in addition to the ones we have already been running for a while.

Textile Techniques for Jewellery: Experimentation with Crochet and Interlacing
Teacher: Doris Maninger
Dates: 1/2/3 February, 31/1/2 May/June
Cost: 350€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: dorismaninger.me

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Doris Maninger, electrofromed silver, iron wire crochet

Introduction to free interlacing (technique developed in Alchimia), creation of 3D forms with interlaced wire, finishing techniques;
Introduction to crochet, basic stitches, working in three dimensions, free experimentation, inventing your own stitches, finishing techniques

free interlacing, braclet in 925 silver wire

free interlacing, bracelet in 925 silver wire

Pigments on Metal: Experimentation in Mixed Media
Teacher: Lucia Massei
Dates: 8/9/10 February,   28/29/30 June
cost: 350€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: luciamassei.com

Lucia Massei, mixed media and flame gilding

Lucia Massei, mixed media and flame gilding

Introduction to colours/pigments and demonstration of various colouring techniques on metal:
hot acrylics, pigments and their application, resins, (mixed media), chemical thinners and adhesives. rolling mill stamping, flame gilding.
Realization of one or more coloured jewels using silver/copper/brass
Tools and non-precious materials as well as handouts on the course are supplied by the school .

kyoto

Nunome Zogane: Antique Japanese Inlay Technique
Teacher: Elisa Deval
Dates: 12/13/14 April, 19/20/21July
Cost: 380€+ VAT Tax

Elisa Deval, Iron Gold

Elisa Deval, Iron Gold

Creation of the base texture on metal using Mekiri-Tagane
Execution of a silver (or gold) inlay on the metal sheet based on ones individual design.
Polishing of the metal sheet with sand paper and stone.
Introduction to the use of the Rokusho coloring technique.
The special toolkit provided can be bought after the course.

Sungho Cho, Pomok Sannggam technique

Sungho Cho, Pomok Sannggam technique

Molds and Casts: Professional Casts in Silicon Rubbers and Urethanes
Teacher: Doris Maninger
Date: 19/20/21 April
Cost: 380€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: dorismaninger.me

sleeve cast in transparent plastic and cold enamel

sleeve cast in transparent plastic and cold enamel

To make effective and long lasting molds for the reproduction of objects in plastic, resin, ceramic, concrete and wax is the goal of this course. Experiments and trials will lead to a profound knowledge about the characteristics and qualities of the different materials and the myriad of possible application for jewellery and sculpture.
In three days we will explore the various aspects of molding and casting, from the preparation of the model, the choice of the right molding material, the options for release to the casting itself and its numerous variations.

Weronika Marek, ceramic and resin cast

Weronika Marek, ceramic and resin cast

 

Acrylic Glass: Methods for Application in Jewellery
Teacher: Marzia Rossi
Date: 26/ 27/ 28 April
Cost: 350€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: marziarossi.it

ring, acrylic glass, silver, oil, stones

Marzia Rossi, acrylic glass, silver, oil, stones

Introduction to the techniques of working with acrilyc glass:
sawing, mat polishing, shiny polishing, 
bending with heat, application of colour, joining with glue.
Realization of one or more jewels combining metal and acrilyc. 
This course is both for beginners 
and those who  have experience in jewelry making.

bracelet, acrylic glass, colour, silk

acrylic glass, colour, silk

Creating Jewellery in Resin: Free Experimentation with Cast Epoxy Resin
Teacher: Yoko Shimizu
Dates: 17/18/19 May, 5/6/7 July
Cost: 350€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: yokoshimizu.it

resin, silver

Yoko Shimizu, resin, silver

In this course students will learn to work with epoxy resin and will be able to experience the multiple possibilities of this material. The focus of the course will be on the use of resin in combination with metal, the casting (silicon molds), the incorporation of diverse materials (paper, wood, colour, sand..) during the polimerization process,
the possibilities of surface effects and finishings

Shannon Carney, ring, gold, resin, 2006

Shannon Carney, gold, resin

Painting with Enamels: Limoges Paintings on Jewellery
Teacher: Prof.Jamie Bennett
Date: 24/25/26 May
Cost: 400€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher visit: Sienna Gallery

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With paint, pencil, and enamel, Jamie Bennett achieves uncommonly poetic effects using floral and patterned imagery, and he creates surface interest with a sensuous touch. In a career that now spans more than thirty years, Bennett has evolved into an internationally acclaimed artist and innovator in the world of contemporary jewelry and enamel.
This workshop will concentrate on painting processes using enamel overglazes.  Historically called Limoges enamel students will use both  traditional and non-conventional methods.  Means of setting and applying enamel with jewelry will be covered.

Jamie Bennet, three brooches

Jamie Bennet, three brooches

Japanese traditional copper alloys and coloring
Teacher. Prof Kimiake Kageyama
Date: 22/23/24/25/26 July
Cost: 700€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher visit: Galerie SO

Kimiaki Kageyama, shibuichi, iron

Kimiaki Kageyama, shibuichi, iron

Kimiaki Kageyama one of the most important Japanese Master Goldsmiths will introduce Japanese copper alloys and their coloring. In Japan, coloring metals has been experimented since 4th~5th century.  Direct coloring began around the end of the Heian period (794-1185) but it is during the Muromachi period (1330-1568) that the development of various kinds of copper alloys suitable for coloring flourished.
The alloys will be produced in traditional way and students can select different alloys to develop their personal concepts. Special technical issues and tools will be introduced during  various stages of  the working process.   Special focus will be set on finishings, as polishing with particular charcoals and coloring.

Kimiaki Kageyama, iron, shibuichi

Kimiaki Kageyama, iron, shibuichi

Anticlastic Metalsmithing with Argentium
Teacher: Ronda Coryell
Date: 22/23/24/25/26 July
Cost: 700€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: rondacoryell.com

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Ronda Coryell, samples

Anticlastic raising employs a specialized set of stakes and hammers to move a sheet of metal lightweight, yet strong, flexible structures. Combine the innovative raising technique of Anticlastic with Argentium, a revolutionary sterling alloy and the results are fantastic. The increased malleability of Argentium™ sterling makes it ideal for use in anticlastic forming. And the material’s ability to be fused without solder adds to its appeal. Master Goldsmith, Ronda Coryell, will provide expert demonstrations, followed by hands-on experience to making earrings, a cuff bracelet, and sophisticated metalsmithing forms. Students will work in Copper or have the opportunity to purchase Argentium from instructor.

Marriage Metals and Mixing Metal Techniques
Teacher: Daniela Boieri
Dates:10/11/12 May   5/6/7 July
Cost:350€ + VAT Tax

for information on the teacher: Klimt

Daniela Boieri, copper, silver

Daniela Boieri, copper, silver

Introduction  and demostration of mixing metal . Experimentation of different kind of mixing using silver, copper and brass with and without soldering. Creation of one or more jewels using the results obtained.
Tools and materials are supplied by the school.

Hand Engraving
Teacher: Daniela Boieri
Dates: 8/9/10/11/12 July
Cost: 350€ + VAT  Tax

anello inciso

Daniela Boieri, silver, hand engraved

Introduction to engraving:  tool setting, hand engraving texture on metal, silky technique, grain technique, engraving  a chosen name or drawing using copper or brass.

WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR

24/09/2012
courses / corsi, news from graduates, workshop
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Following sort of a tradition by now, the new year begins through a workshop led by our amazing teacher Ruudt Peters. This year’s theme, as might be obvious through the images, was RED (last year it was DREAM), selected not for socialist reasons but as red is the color of the Chinese New Year and below is a short explanation of its reasons.

According to the legend, in ancient China, Nian (“Nyan”), a man-eating beasts from the mountains, could infiltrate houses silently to prey on humans. People later learned that Nian was sensitive to loud noises and the color red, so they scared it away through explosions, fireworks and the liberal use of the red. So “Guo Nian” actually means “Surviving the Nian”. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations. So this year Alchimia celebrated a sort of Chinese New Year,  Ruudt Peters  in fact has just come back from a three months trip to China.

For 3 days, and divided in couples, the students have been drawing, painting and making collages through the red colour while also being dressed in red. They also had to find red objects and reflect on a space on their body to give substance to their red dreams.

The whole workshop ended through a ‘ceremony’ in the magnificent Piazza della Signoria, when a number of colourful balloons have been launched in the sky.

‘What are you promoting?’ was the audience’s continuous question.

Nothing really, art in it’s own right while having fun, was the continuous answer…

Weekend Course: Pigments on Metal

19/09/2012
Uncategorized, workshop
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with Lucia Massei

Alchimia’s most popular weekend course is on programme from December 7 to 9.

Lucia Massei will be introducing to colours and pigments in general and will demonstrate their application on metal.

The course will begin on Friday 7 December at 5 p.m. and will end Sunday afternoon.

The students will work with a variety of media from natural substances as garlic and lemon to resins, hot acrylics, chemical thinners and adhesives and they will also learn about posibilities of stamping and flame gilding.

For the complete programme and prices please contact the school office: info@alchimia.it or visit the web site: www.alchimia.it

Kirsten Plank, garlic patina

Kirsten Plank, pigment and natural resin

Lucia Massei, mixed media and flame gilding

Lucia Massei, pigments and flame gilding

Back to Daily Life, Jewellery report

03/09/2012
artists, courses / corsi, Uncategorized, workshop
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Well yes, we are back on our desks, but before concentrating on the new, we would like to take a moment to highlight Alchimia’s August guest programme.

In fact, we are very pleased to publish and share some reflections, and images of what was created, by the participants of the workshop held at Alchimia by the Spanish-now-Amsterdam-based Estela Saez, from the 6th to the 17th of August 2012.

If you want to know more about the workshop please click here.

And if you want to find out of Estela’s work click here to check out her website.

“Daily Life, Jewellery Connection”

[…]

Like the title suggest, the workshop was about how to direct a creative process in our daily life. For me, what I like the most was working about my daily life, out of my daily life. I always have got the feeling that when we move to a different place, we perceive things differently. We get new answers and some times we even see more than we are use to. A workshop is all about that, such a strong and intensive experience where you meet new people, new places of working, new techniques, habits and, of course, knowledge and ideas.

Estela Saez developed a very dynamic program. With great variety of exercises, we had the opportunity to work in-group and individually.

Two different kinds of reflections were productive to expand our horizons. Besides that, we had to analyze the works of everyone, having the opportunity of learning not only with ourselves but also through the creative process of our peers.

This involvement was crucial to create a working atmosphere of sharing and learning.

It was a pleasure for me to share this moment driven by Estela Saez and with all the colleagues of the workshop.

Patricia Dominguez

 

Ich habe das Workshop von Estela Saez mit hohen Erwartungen besucht und sie sind erfüllt worden. Estela hat die 2 Wochen sehr konzentriert und interessant gestaltet. Sie hat unsere Kreativität und unser Können maximal gefordert. Auch den Zusammenhalt der Gruppe durch tägliche Gespräche untereinander hat sie stark gefestigt und wir waren ein super Team! Dadurch wir immer länger bleiben durften ist wirklich viel weitergegangen. Jeden Abend ein Gläschen Wein und eine Präsentation haben die Stimmung sehr gelockert.

Ich hätte mir keine bessere Lehrerin und Umgebung vorstellen können und es war eine große Bereicherung für mich.

Estela danke und bis zum nächsten mal!!!!

Alja Neuner

[I visited the workshop of Estela Saez with high expectations and they were met. Estela has really focused on the 2 weeks and has kept them constantly very interesting. She has stimulated our creativity and skill to the maximum. Also the keeping the group together through daily conversations with each other has strengthened it greatly and we were a great team! The fact that we were always able to stay longer has meant a lot. Every evening, a glass of wine and a presentation have much relaxed the mood.I could not imagine a better teacher and environment and it was a great asset to me.

Estela thank you and see you next time!!

Alja Neuner]

Under the intense August heat Estela Saez offered a workshop called “Daily Life: jewelry connection”. During two weeks Alchimia became an intense explosive creative space. With exercises in which we were asked to transform daily objects as varied as toothbrushes, toilet paper, binders, towels and bottles, we opened our eyes to search for possibilities in  our surroundings. The fast paced fun filled the first week gave way for the more deep and personal second week. Here under the guidance of Estela we explored the possibilities of our chosen material. The results showed the varied creative approaches and process of our dynamic group. As everyone head home at the end of the workshop a beautiful sense of accomplishment and “camadiere” was felt. Thank You Estela! And Thanks to all my lovely workshop mates!

Maru Lopez

Preparing an Exhibition

14/06/2012
event, exhibitions / mostre, workshop
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The last week we passed to fine tune the Graduation Show “Purus” .
All was ready concept, layout, press release, publicity…………

except : THE REAL THING

Fortunately we had

Giulia

and of course many others

there is so much work to do and even if you know beforehand exactly what you want and how you think to achieve it..

there are always details that do not turn out as you expected, new decisions to take..

need for rapid adjustment, ideas if technical issues do not work as expected

but then when things slowly take form and become clear, turn out maybe even better than expected

then you understand that the energy you have put in was worth while

but there was not only the graduation show to prepare but  also the End of the Year exhibition of the second and the third year…

Lucia, Peter and all the students are still working to get it all done

for Thursday 14.th of June 2012 at 6 p.m.

(big problem, at this precise hour Italy is playing against Croatia in the European Soccer Championship)

but somebody will come, we are sure

and then there is still Chica….

Nubre – Final exhibition in Cairo

03/05/2012
event, exhibitions / mostre, workshop
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We have been telling a while ago about the marvellous project that is going on in Egypt.

And now we can invite you to the final exhibition!!!

 

I

Contemporary designs by Egyptian students in a European-Egyptian exhibition in Cairo

 An exhibition featuring innovative jewellery pieces will open from 9 to 12 May in Cairo. This exhibition is the first of a series of exhibitions between Cairo and Aswan to showcase the designs of 45 Egyptian students who took place in an initiative by Azza Fahmy Jewellery co-funded by the European Union (EU).

Nubre, which means design in the Nubian language, is the first private sector initiative to support students with passion for design. It was launched initially with the core purpose of enforcing a “design culture” in Egypt and creating a bridge between local and European students.

The most significant outcome of this project is that the students would get the opportunity to showcase their talents by exhibiting their work to the public. Moreover, the Azza Fahmy Foundation will also offer the best students the opportunity to work on Azza Fahmy future design projects, in addition to multiple financial prizes and recognition.

Prior to the exhibition, four workshops were held in Aswan under the theme “Linking Heritage to Contemporary Design” with designers coming from some of the best Jewellery design schools in Europe: Doris Maninger from Alchimia, Ramon Puig from Massana and Christoph Zellweger from HEAD Geneva, and  Jean Power from the UK . The main focus of was finding inspiration, recognising it, understanding it and then knowing what to do with it. During the workshops, the students worked on their design concepts using materials from the environment, and then finished their pieces with the help of Azza Fahmy and corresponding with their instructors  after the workshops.

The first stop of the exhibition will be British Council in Agouza – Cairo from 9 till 12 May 2012. The exhibition will then move to other locations in Cairo in addition to Aswan.

This project is one of the projects funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Egypt in the framework of the annual EU Calls for Proposals for Cultural Activities.

For more information on NUBRE, please visit www.nubre.com

Many amazing pieces are the results of these workshops, traditional tiara’s but done with carrubs, brooches out of Nubian plates, the colours and the forms of the Nubian tradition reelaborated with surprising materials in necklaces and bracelets.

 

but for sure most of the pieces conserve the deep sense for ornament inherent in the Egyptian culture

Plastic workshop with Heather White

24/04/2012
artists, workshop
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It was just before Easter vacation, and it gave lots of new inputs

Heather White Professor at MassArt (Massachusetts College of Art and Design) and since February in Florence with a Fullbright Grant, gave this workshops to our students and after also to some of our teachers about the silicon molding systems and plastic cast.

Heather opened some totally new frontiers for us and we are now fully equipped to continue the research with these materials

We have been working and experimenting with epoxy resin for years, but never with polyurethanes.
This plastic as the silcon molds used to cast are different, need some more equipment as pressure pot and vacuum but give a whole range of possibilities exciting to discover.

Heather had us follow strictly the rules to after ask us to break them all

incredible colours can come out, always a surprise….

We all want to thank Heather for this opportunity, it was so good to have her in our school and we hope to continue learning experiences with her.

Wax Worlds – Workshop with Peter Bauhuis

21/04/2012
courses / corsi, workshop
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Its been a long time since the last post. Easter vacation and other more urgent activities in between.
But now we are ready again to inform you about our latest activities.

First of all the 4 days workshop of our second year class in Peter Bauhuis’ new studio in Munich.

Peter's new studio

It was an exciting experience for our  students, to work in the artist’s studio, to get a really close look on the working habits and of course also on the work of their teacher.

every detail of the casting technique process could be carried out

the liquid wax cast into the plaster mold

Chiara pouring the liquid metal under Peter's supervision

wax experiments ready for selection, not all could be casted

Yuqi and Francesca preparing their pieces for casting

a wax 'tree'

the 'cuvette' positioned for the kiln

some final results in different metals

They all would have liked to stay longer !!!!!!!

Alchimia Guest Workshop: Estela Saez

22/02/2012
artists, workshop
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“To make things themselves is not difficult.  Rather putting us in the condition to create and finding the right state of mind is the difficulty.”

Daily life; Jewellery connection is the title of this 2 weeks workshop in Florence – linking our work to daily situations while we define our creative process -  analysis – criticism and the awareness of why do we make jewellery.

Indeed the pieces we make are what acknowledge us as jewellers, our character and interests; everything counts and dictates the authenticity of each maker. It is vital that we begin questioning why we perform it early on. How does our work question, reflect upon and connect with the circumstances we live in? What do we make? Why? For who do we make?

The independent jewellery scenario is growing exponentially, yet the world at large barely knows that we exist.  It is essential for the survival of our discipline to connect our practice to the society  we live in, while embracing critical discourse and applying it to the work we produce.

I propose this workshop with the aim to expand and gain new perspectives in the working process. We will relate our personal universe, thoughts and concerns towards daily life and the jewellery we make. Create a bridge between the studio and the outside world, while connecting our work to society. Working from the inside to the outside and the other way around. We will experiment how society can function as a mirror in order to understand the work we produce better as well as to find the optimum space to generate something unique and original; avoiding to become narrow-minded in our thinking and making.

For the success of the workshop and to accomplish its objectives, it is of utmost importance that participants are willing to challenge themselves by and open predisposition and sincere self-critic.

Place: Alchimia Jewellery School, Florence

Dates: from 6th to 17th August 2012

Duration of the course: 2 weeks (80h. aprox.)

Price: 900€  (15% discount for students)

Number of Students: 12

Language: English, Spanish and a bit of German.
+info: info@alchimia.it, info@estelasaez.com

 

Who is Estela Saez – a short Bio

Estela Saez Vilanova
Girona 1977 (Spain)
visit web site: www.estelasaez.com

I studied jewellery at Massana School, Barcelona in 2001 and  received the Massana Prize.
I moved to Amsterdam in 2005 to become an assistant of Professor Ruudt Peters for 2 years, developing at the same time my own projects. I graduated as a Master of Arts at the University of Trier, Germany and was the winner of the Talente Prize for young designers 2006 in Munich.

Besides my work as a jeweller I have  been invited as a guest teacher and lecturer worldwide.
From time to time I participate and organize jewelry-related events, seminars and cross-disciplinary projects to promote critical thinking in the field. After 2 years of investigation my Master Thesis is partially based upon the analysis of how to connect the inside-jewellery-circuit within the outside and the society we live in.

I exhibit my works since 1996 in Galleries and Museums around the world.

I have received various Incentive Grants to promote and develop my personal work. My jewellery has been published in magazines, catalogues and specialized books dealing with jewellery and related disciplines.

Since 2005, I live and work in Amsterdam.