[Jewelry making - Article 00537] - Re: [Orchid] Article: Minimal Metalsmithing

[richard hart]

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>     Nanz posted misinformation about metal clay, thus spreading and
>     propagating what is a widespread misconception and she dissed the
>     metal clay artists community.

    Seems like there are a lot of opinions, some not based in fact.
    However all the facts might not add up to a conclusion that will
    please either side. I do not know Nanz, but having seen some of Nanz
    work, I was a bit baffled at how she would use her considerable skills
    in the environment of Art Jewelry Magazine. 

    Metal clay has inherent limitations which in my opinion limit it's
    use to a craft or hobby medium. It will not be used for high end gold
    or silver jewelry. There might be some people who will make something
    that they consider high end jewelry, but traditional goldsmiths cannot
    replace their metalworking techniques with metal clay techniques and
    make products to replace what they manufacture by casting or
    fabrication. Because it can be done does not mean that it shouild be
    done. 

    Recognizing the inherent limitation of the material involves
    relinquishing denial It is what it is, and it ain't all that. That some
    respected metalsmiths have used it does not imbue it with the respect
    they achieved by using traditional metalsmithing methods. 

    Some repected metalsmiths might actually lose respect for what might
    be perceived of as lowering their standards by using a material that
    is inherently of a lower quality due to the materials lack of
    structural intergrity and the limits it has as the pieces tend to have
    a look of having been made by clay. That some metal clay looks like
    cast pieces does mean that the cast piece was a good example of what
    can be done with casting. 

    Regardless of how much skill I could achieve with metal clay, I could
    not replace any of my income with the skill I have for jewelry
    repair, custom design, ect with the skill to make clay objects. 

    I doubt there are any goldsmiths or silversmiths that have been able
    to make a transition from a highly skilled form of jewelry work to
    metal clay. 

Richard Hart

 
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