Blacksmithing Studio - Certificate
Overview
Blacksmith work can be seen everywhere from wrought iron patio fences to decorative wall hangings and art. Designed to let you explore your personal expression, our program teaches you the necessary blacksmithing and welding techniques to manipulate and join steel for both form and function. You will learn the basics of ornamental metal art design and creation to put you on the road to success in the professional marketplace.
Through the Blacksmithing program, you will be able to reach a level appropriate for a blacksmith apprentice. Gaining control and confidence, you will be ready to produce traditional and contemporary ironwork and begin your career.
Program Outcomes
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, an applicant must meet the following Kootenay Studio Arts programming (KSA) entrance requirements.
- Questionnaire
All applicants must complete and submit a questionnaire at least one week prior to their scheduled interview date. The questionnaire helps us to understand the applicant’s interest and commitment to the studio program.
Submit the questionnaire using the Kootenay Studio Arts online form at selkirk.ca/blacksmithing.
- Interview
All applicants are required to participate in an interview with a program instructor from the Kootenay School of the Arts program. Telephone interviews will be arranged for those applicants who, because of distance, cannot attend in person.
The interview is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves, present their work and discuss their interests within the arts. The instructor will assess the applicant’s preparedness for entry into the program and will ask about commitment, goals and expectations, design knowledge, experience and communication skills. It is also an opportunity for applicants to ask any questions they might have about the program and for faculty to recommend upgrading if necessary.
- Portfolios
The portfolio is designed to assess your skill level to help instructors increase your chances of success in your studio program. KSA is looking for a demonstration of visual awareness, creativity and technical skill. The portfolio pieces may be of any medium and they need not be specific to studio preference.
For portfolio guidelines see our website http:// selkirk.ca/program/blacksmithing/admission- requirements or see Kootenay Studio Arts program policy – Appendix F.
In order to receive your credential in your program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
Courses
BLCK121 - Shop Cultures: Safety and Devices
BLCK 121 Shop Cultures: Safety and Devices will introduce students to shop culture and to safe operating practices for all tools in the shop. Students will be given an overview of the two metal certificates (Blacksmithing and Metal Casting) and will start to develop the skills necessary to proceed into BLCK 123 Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms.
BLCK123 - Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms
BLCK 123 In Fabrication Techniques: Welded Forms, students will be introduced to the safe use of the MIG welder, oxygen and acetylene gases, and the plasma cutter. Exercises include samples using each process, accurate layout, and sculptural inflation.
BLCK125 - Design for Fabrication and Blacksmithing
BLCK 125 Design for Fabrication and Blacksmithing provides students with a basic understanding of the design and visual communication skills required to develop and present concepts that may be realized in wrought iron. The course will offer an introduction to essential drawing skills in black and white media and an overview of core design principles ' with context via relevant metal craft history. Students will be aided in developing their basic rendering techniques and concept design skills in product development and presentation. The course also covers practical aspects such as the reading and drawing of scale plans, structural considerations, and building code conventions. Students will gain the ability to blend functionality with aesthetics and articulate their creative visions on paper as an adjunct to working in wrought metal.
BLCK127 - Force, Stance, Direction: Primary Hammer Skills
BLCK 127 Force, Stance, Direction: Primary Hammer Skills, students will develop the ability to manipulate hot steel with hammer and anvil. Following instructor demonstrations and discussion, students will practice a variety of basic smithing techniques. Emphasis is on hammer control, proper and safe tool use and how to apply the knowledge gained to complete simple projects safely and effectively.
BLCK129 - Advanced Techniques: Conceptualize and Create
BLCK 129 Advanced Techniques: Conceptualize and Create, this component introduces students to a broader range of Blacksmithing skills and techniques. Built on a strong foundation of Blacksmithing fundamentals, students' ability to conceptualize and create advanced forms will be increased through tool making and creative problem solving. Students will make a hammer and punches. Skills include power hammer techniques and Tooling.
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