Vivian Beer
DATES: September 7 – 25, 2015
SKILL LEVEL: II – IV
CONCEPT: In this class we concentrate on the relationship between design, technique, and fabrication, specifically in steel and using compound curves. Compound curves can be glamorous and seductive due to their visceral nature. These biomorphic forms are difficult to achieve in steel, and even trickier to plan. Vivian takes you through techniques she uses in digital and manual design. Technical demonstrations and studio time will be augmented with discussions and presentations. Together we explore how we affect materials and how those materials can reflect ourselves and the world around us.
MEDIA & TECHNIQUES: Students learn techniques ranging from the hand hammer to English wheel, hydraulic press and die and fixture design. Materials include mild steel sheet, plate, bar, tube, and rod. Students are encouraged to bring laptops with current design software.
ACTIVITIES: We practice basic drafting, scale modeling, pattern making, basic computer aided design using Rhino design software and a CNC plasma cutter. Oxy-acetylene, TIG, and MIG welding, torch cutting and forging, and advanced approaches to abrasives.
FACULTY: Vivian Beer is a designer/maker working in New England. Her work is featured in numerous collections including the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Brooklyn Museum and Public Art-Portland, Maine. She holds an M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art and was a resident artist at SUNY Purchase and Penland School of Crafts.
Tuition: $1175 OR Tuition + Studio Support Donation: $1775
Studio Fee: $175
