Class Description: Mokume Gane, or ‘woodgrain metal’ is an ancient Japanese technique involving fused layers of differently colored metals. This class jumps right into the artistic part of mokume gane – the creation of unique patterns. Students will learn to pattern mokume gane sheet using stamping, direct hammering, and even the tricky but versatile cherry blossom technique.
The special considerations for fabricating and finishing mokume gane work will be covered, including soldering and patination. In this special expanded 4-day format, there will be plenty of time to focus on creating multiple patterned samples and create one or more finished jewelry pieces. Detailed handouts including step-by-steps and equipment sources will be provided.
This class is available to all levels, however some experience soldering and working with silver will be helpful. Even advanced jewelers/metalsmiths will benefit from learning these secrets of mokume gane patterning.
About Anne
Biography:
Anne Wolf completed her BA in Applied Design at San Diego State University (SDSU) in 1993 and her MFA in Jewelry/Metals at SDSU in 1999. Her mokume gane metalwork is in the permanent collection at the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee and was awarded a Bronze First seat by the NBSK in Japan. Her work has been shown across the U.S. and internationally including in Germany and Japan. Wolf studied under Japanese metalwork masters such as Ford Hallam, Hiroko Sato-Pijanowski, and James Binnion. Wolf has been a presenter for SNAG and taught/presented at many schools across the US such as Metalwerx, Touchstone, and Mendocino.
Statement:
I create my work with traditional hand tools to allow me time to see the work as it progresses and focuses on the details. This process to me is a meditation, and my humble imitations of nature are my way of paying tribute to our planet. The technique of mokume-gane is especially meaningful in this regard - as I pattern the metal, my tools are imitating the geologic processes of our earth. My chisel is the river, carving through the rock. My hammer is metamorphosis, compressing and deforming.
