Artist Blacksmith
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Haliburton
Accepting applications
ABS
Ontario College Certificate
September 8, 2009
$3,314.83 program duration *
* Tuition and fees subject to change.
- Program Information
- Program Curriculum
- Course Descriptions
Program Highlights
In recent years the role of the blacksmith has shifted from that of the tradesman, fabricating functional objects, to that of the artisan. The artist blacksmith now uses the traditional tools, materials and processes in conjunction with contemporary sensibilities to create three-dimensional sculptures, architectural details and fixtures, furnishings and utensils. To engage in this ‘newly forged’ art form, you will delve into the traditional studio processes, along with research into the practices of both historical and contemporary works of practicing metal smiths. The process of drawing will be emphasized throughout the program, as a critical requirement for creative design, technical execution, and client proposals.
Word from the Workplace
"For a person my age (56) intending to start a new career as a blacksmith, with some familiarity, but little artistic background in blacksmithing, the course at Fleming College was a godsend. It taught me the basics of ironwork, introduced me to design and drawing and exposed me to the possibilities. I gained the tools and confidence to go home and start making a living as both a general and an artistic blacksmith in my own shop."
David Olmstead, Program Graduate
Studio Owner, New Brunswick
Why Choose Fleming?
What it Takes to Succeed
- an interest in exploring blacksmithing as a means of artistic expression
- open to learning from others
- ongoing exploration of your own creativity
- any previous experience working with metal or in art
- ability to commit to intensive format
Career Opportunities
- You have started a life-long learning experience in the discipline of the artist blacksmith, with endless options in your pursuit of a career in this field.
- This program will appeal to the serious student who is seeking to build an excellent foundation portfolio of work before pursuing further studies, to apply their learning to another medium, or to explore apprenticeship, freelance, or teaching career options.
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
Selection Process
Diploma Requirements
This certificate comprises 14 of the elective credit rquirements for the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma, also available at Haliburton School of The Arts.
Additional Costs
A $754.00 materials fee has been included in the tuition/fees noted above.
University Transfer Agreements
| Course | Hours |
| Semester 1 | |
| Applied Design | 47.50 |
| Art History VI: The History of Metals | 47.50 |
| Blacksmithing - Advanced | 237.50 |
| Blacksmithing - Basic | 190.00 |
| Design - Artist Blacksmith | 47.50 |
| Drawing - Artist Blacksmith | 47.50 |
| Marketing/Portfolio Development | 47.50 |
Semester 1
Applied Design
Course Number: ARTS007
In this course, students will apply their existing knowledge of the elements and principles of design to their work in one specific medium. Students will learn the language of shop drawing, how to generate different views to help them discover their own design ideas, and think three-dimensionally to enable them to work out resolutions to problems before fabricating the article. Students will work with the theories, tables, scales, layouts, blueprint reading, pricing structures, etc. of their particular medium. This course also includes some basic rendering techniques (pencil crayons, markers) to enable students to produce drawings for clients and competitions. Students will experience the full design process, being able to use thumbnails, concept development, details, variations, elevations, renderings, and necessary layout and planning, right through to cost estimation, making it possible for them to be efficient and effective in their use of time and materials.
Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50
Art History VI: The History of Metals
Course Number: ARTS018
This survey course provides an introduction to the major periods and styles of metal art history, from 3500 BC to modern times. It traces developments of metal as an art form, from Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance periods, through the prolific influence of the Gothic period, and the Art Nouveau arts and crafts movement. The work of Jean TiJou, Yellin, Edgar Brandt, William Moris and ideas of John Ruskin will be studied, as well as the modern blacksmiths' influence of Frances Whitaker and Diago Giacometti. The course provides an important frame of reference for recognizing the components and various periods and styles of iron and companion metals, and how they enhance architecture. Using a non-traditional format, special emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the key components, styles, and periods through application, experimentation and integration of the ideas into the student's own work.
Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50
Blacksmithing - Advanced
Course Number: ARTS968
This course builds on basic blacksmithing procedures from managing a forge fire, to drawing out and welding steel, tool making, tempering and forge welding. Students will have ample opportunity to practice techniques needed to create both traditional and original sculptural items, and will also be introduced to the unique world of iron sculptures and yard art. Students will learn the more advanced forging techniques of twists, scrolls and jigs, as well as welding and cutting. They will also be shown the use of a plasma cutting machine and the hot carving of steel. Time will also be spent discussing how to set up an economical shop, purchase stock and maintain equipment.
Units: 237.50
Hours: 237.50
Blacksmithing - Basic
Course Number: ARTS040
This course covers basic blacksmithing procedures from managing a forge fire, to drawing out and welding steel. Instruction will also include tool making, tempering and forge welding. Students will have ample opportunity to practice techniques needed to create both traditional and original sculptural items. Students will also be introduced to the unique world of iron sculptures and yard art. Students will learn the more advanced forging techniques of twists, scrolls and jigs, as well as welding and cutting. They will also be shown the use of a plasma cutting machine and the hot carving of steel. Time will also be spent discussing how to set up an economical shop, purchase stock and maintain equipment.
Units: 190.00
Hours: 190.00
Design - Artist Blacksmith
Course Number: ARTS970
This studio-based course will provide the student with the basic design process as applied to forged metal objects. Line, texture, symmetry, balance, and proportion will be explored in their relation to the size, location and or function of an object when it is being designed. Examples of artist-blacksmiths and their work from specific eras will be discussed in relation to styles and available technology through research and presentation.
Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50
Drawing - Artist Blacksmith
Course Number: ARTS969
It is important that the artist-blacksmith is able to sketch variations of ideas, prepare proposals for designs in his/her own work, and then develop working drawings from them for production. This course will engage the student in the foundation techniques for these drawing processes. Focusing on line, proportion, light, texture, value and surface quality, students will produce drawings using processes for both representational / observational drawing skills as well as concept drawings. Observational drawings from a variety of natural and man made objects can be a rich source for style and design. Particular attention will be given to value studies, and their application to three-dimensional drawing processes. Attention will also be given to the use of drawing in creative design processes and the exploration of style in a series of metal work projects. Students will use journals to gather research material and concepts.
Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50
Marketing/Portfolio Development
Course Number: MKTG053
Practicing artists can choose from many different paths to advance their personal and artistic goals. This course examines the ways in which artists can assess choices in further education, financing and operating their own studio, presenting themselves, and promoting and marketing their work. Students will analyze the various aspects of developing a portfolio, photographing and editing quality images for promotion and documentation, and writing an artist's statement, cv, cover letters, and promotional materials. They will research and evaluate the services of trade/support organizations, marketing venues, the process for grant applications, artists residencies and internships. Resources for learning the issues in successfully operating a studio, along with the business practices and legal implications of these operations will also be investigated. Students will summarize their personal goals to establish their own specific set of options for continuing their artist's practices. In class sessions will involve research, writing, presentation, and critical discussion.
Units: 47.50
Hours: 47.50