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The Daily OrangePrecious metals: Jewelry and metalsmithing major brings elemental arts to SU
By Kelly Outram
Posted: 8/25/08, 12:38 AM EST Section: Feature
Harriete Estel Berman would never simply throw away a candy wrapper or a tin container. Instead, she might make a $14,000 chair out of it.
As a metalsmith, Berman uses simple materials to make jewelry, sculptures and furniture - a skill she learned and perfected in the College of Visual and Performing Arts as a jewelry and metalsmithing major at Syracuse University.
"After taking a metalsmithing class one summer, I dove right into it and took several more," Berman said, recalling how she got involved in the major. "I felt like I found myself instantaneously."
The course aims to teach students how to design jewels and metals for both artistic and pragmatic purposes. The major gives students the background to design pieces for major companies, produce their own exhibits or even make exhibits for movies and TV.
"We teach students as artists, not as industrial metal workers," said Barbara Walter, adjunct professor for jewelry and metalsmithing. "Students learn how to make their own one-of-a-kind, limited edition pieces."
Natalie Zadrozna, a junior jewelry and metalsmithing major, enjoys the creative aspect of her major the most, as well as all the freedom to pursue whatever project she wants.
"I'm currently over the wall obsessed with using enamel, so I try to somehow incorporate it into whatever I am doing," Zadrozna said. "In the future, I want to know how to stone set, which is a class that is offered at (Syracuse), so soon enough I'll be trying that out."
Syracuse is one of 67 U.S. colleges and universities identified by the Princeton Review that offer the jewelry and metalsmithing major. Other schools include the Rhode Island School of Design as well as large research universities such as the University of Kansas.
There are currently 11 students enrolled in the major. Walter said that a lack of funding and a small workspace would make expansion difficult, but she believes that the program is thriving with the supplies and faculty it has.
As a metalsmith, Berman uses simple materials to make jewelry, sculptures and furniture - a skill she learned and perfected in the College of Visual and Performing Arts as a jewelry and metalsmithing major at Syracuse University.
"After taking a metalsmithing class one summer, I dove right into it and took several more," Berman said, recalling how she got involved in the major. "I felt like I found myself instantaneously."
The course aims to teach students how to design jewels and metals for both artistic and pragmatic purposes. The major gives students the background to design pieces for major companies, produce their own exhibits or even make exhibits for movies and TV.
"We teach students as artists, not as industrial metal workers," said Barbara Walter, adjunct professor for jewelry and metalsmithing. "Students learn how to make their own one-of-a-kind, limited edition pieces."
Natalie Zadrozna, a junior jewelry and metalsmithing major, enjoys the creative aspect of her major the most, as well as all the freedom to pursue whatever project she wants.
"I'm currently over the wall obsessed with using enamel, so I try to somehow incorporate it into whatever I am doing," Zadrozna said. "In the future, I want to know how to stone set, which is a class that is offered at (Syracuse), so soon enough I'll be trying that out."
Syracuse is one of 67 U.S. colleges and universities identified by the Princeton Review that offer the jewelry and metalsmithing major. Other schools include the Rhode Island School of Design as well as large research universities such as the University of Kansas.
There are currently 11 students enrolled in the major. Walter said that a lack of funding and a small workspace would make expansion difficult, but she believes that the program is thriving with the supplies and faculty it has.
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