Etching with Salt-water and the Hydraulic Press by Jesse Bert

This dynamic 5-day workshop will focus on presenting information for 2 main techniques: Non-toxic etching of copper with Salt-water, and exploration of form with the Hydraulic Press.  Additionally, in this workshop, an introduction will be given for the application of torch-fired glass enamel. 
 
Detailed information will be given to explain set-up, use, and tools for each technique.  Etching with salt-water is a wonderful versatile process easily combined with many other techniques in the jewelry studio.  It is a very valuable technique to learn because it does not require large amounts of equipment or the use of acid.  Once the sheet metal is etched, students will then see how the hydraulic press can be used to create depth and volume through shapes that have consistent form.  The curves and contours obtained with the hydraulic press will help show off, even more, the low-relief texture created by etching.  Once the material is etched and pressed, students can choose to finish the work or components by adding a layer of glass enamel either transparent or opaque and firing it with a  torch.  This extra element of surface embellishment will allow students the opportunity to add color and more visual dimension to their pieces.


About Jesse Bert:
He holds a BFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from Rochester Institute of Technology, and an MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from East Carolina University in North Carolina. Originally from Pennsylvania, Jesse relocated to Mexico in 2006 upon completion of his master's degree to begin his professional career.  His initial interest in metalwork originated from 3 years spent as an apprentice in a tool and die shop before attending university. Now a practicing studio artist, he creates primarily sculptural jewelry which incorporates recycled and repurposed materials. He also has a strong interest and appreciation for fine handmade tools and spends a good portion of his time creating unique tools and equipment that help give his work distinction through delicate texture and design.  Jesse is an adjunct professor at the Technological University of Monterrey in Guadalajara, and over the past 11 years has taught metalsmithing and jewelry techniques to students of all skill levels at his studio in San Miguel de Allende, as well as annual workshops in other cities around Mexico, the US, and Europe.  Jesse has had solo exhibitions in the city of Oaxaca, and Mexico City.  National and International exhibition venues include Velvet da Vinci Gallery, San Francisco; Alchemy 925, Massachusetts; The Palace of Iturbide, Mexico City; The Amber Fair Legnica, Poland; Inhorgenta Fair Munich, Germany; Franz Mayer Museum, Mexico City; The Museum of Art and Design, NYC.  In 2014 he was invited to participate as a fellow at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts residency program.  

 

Basic knowledge of jewelry skills such as sawing and filing is helpful. Workshop open to students of all levels and anyone with a strong interest in learning new techniques.

 

Dates and price

Duration: March 20-24, 2018. From 2:00 pm  to 6:00 pm.
Price: $680.000 Colombian Pesos ($ 240 USD).