[Jewelry making - Article 00701] - Re: [Orchid] PMC in general

[Catherine Ondrey]

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>         If you work in pmc, how do we refer to what is done as opposed
>     to those who use metal working techniques to achieve their goal.
>     Fabrication and casting are metal working techniques in my
>     opinion, working with pmc is more similar to ceramics. PMC is not
>     metalsmithing. 

    I have the same question as Richard on this subject.  I'm nowhere
    near having 20-30 years experience as a metalsmith, but with about 4
    years so far,  I plan to learn as much as I can and gain more
    experience working as a silversmith and goldsmith.  I too have no
    interest in getting into PMC, but am always puzzled when I see a PMC
    class advertised as a metalsmithing or silversmithing course.  I
    don't understand how a medium that can be formed using putty knives
    can be considered metalsmithing or silversmithing. That's not meant
    as a slam to PMC, but just an honest thought - putty knives versus
    saws, hammers, long hours of fabrication ... there's no comparison
    and for that reason I think PMC needs to be given a different
    classification and not considered metalsmithing or silversmithing. 

    I can definitely understand how this causes a riff or conflict
    between those with many years of metalsmithing experience to see PMC
    come out advertised as a metalsmithing tool.  Perhaps if it was
    placed in a category all it's own that this would solve some of the
    dilemna and conflict that PMC seems to have with some jewelers. 
    After all, I see several people with the title "PMC Certified
    Instructor" - so there obviously is a different classification for
    the instructors - perhaps there should be a different classification
    for the medium as a whole. 

    Yes, PMC does give a designer instant gratification and there is
    less expense and less tools necessary - but to me, that's what makes
    metalsmithing very satisfying to me.  Working with a sheet of metal
    and turning it into something beautiful - the time is takes and the
    tools and techniques needed to finish a piece are what is intriguing
    to me. 

    I don't see these posts regarding PMC as argument, as there seems to
    be so many jewelers sitting on different sides of the fence on this
    issue that perhaps some type of classification can be set on this new
    form of jewelry design.

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