Time to Attend a Goldsmithing School

In one of my earlier posts I mentioned that I make jewelry on my own and had been for about two years until I had shoulder surgery. I have since picked it back up, with a new workshop and renewed vigor. I've had friends tell me that I should go to learn to become a professional in this field. Well, now I have decided to do something about it. I have narrowed it down to a couple places, one in particular, although I will not divulge which. For me working with precious metals is an obsession and it’s something I can't live without.

Confucius said it best; "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life". Amen to that. I love silver gold and platinum, always have. I don't know if it has something to do with their intrinsic value or properties of each one individually but the look and feel of them is something I cannot do without. Another great thing about them is that they don't talk back and you can manipulate them as you please. Messing up isn't a shame as you can melt them down again and create from scratch, although sometimes its hard to see all that work turn into a puddle at the bottom of your crucible. The coolest part is that it looks like the T1000 is moving around in there as you get ready to pour your metal.

The whole thing is a learning experience. Every time you mess up you figure out what you could have done differently, kind of like life only that key events can be redone as you see fit. My parents are for me pursuing this course of action even though I already have a degree in Business Management from Umass Lowell. That was necessary for me to learn to run a business and this will for what I will sell. I will most likely work for someone else before setting up shop for myself officially.

The above pictures are of me working and things I've made and are a few years old. As you can see this is more than wire work or stringing some beads together. What I do takes time. The twisted curb chain with ID plaque was made by watching a 2 hour video. It took me 4 hours to make the first time and only 3 the second time around. I poured my own wire and sheet and rolled and shaped them accordingly on my own. I enjoy the fact that I learn quickly and am always out to improve on previous efforts. Asperger's can greatly help with this as I don't mind focusing on one and only one thing intensely. I have logged more than my share of 6 hour sessions without a break. I get a lot of pride by making something out of nothing.

I know I can do this professionally and all I need is the confidence that comes from the right training.

Questions or comments? Let me know.