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Offered By:	Canberra School of Art, Faculty of Economics and Commerce, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Faculty of Law, ANU Medical School, and Faculty of Asian Studies
Academic Contact:	Johannes Kuhnen

This workshop major may only be taken in a Bachelor of Visual Arts, Bachelor of Design Arts or a Diploma of Art.

The terminology Gold and Silversmithing addresses the traditional origins for the design and production of wearable and utilitarian objects. The art of Gold and Silversmithing in its ancient origins was often the initial training for some of the worlds most respected artists. The use of precious material as indicated in the name is not a limitation for the works produced by students and staff but a historical reference as jewellery and tableware made from metal traditionally involving the use of most aspects of smithing. The materials used in the workshop reflect the contemporary practice and encompasses all accessible metals, a wide range of plastics, synthetic and natural materials. The work produced extends beyond the traditional use and scale of jewellery and hollow ware. The programs aim to provide students with professional skills to produce objects of high aesthetic and technical standard for both functional and decorative purposes. Throughout the courses, design concepts will be dealt with on a day-to-day basis as students develop their particular projects. The workshop environment and method of operation is a key aspect of Gold and Silversmithing courses. Students are expected to be fully involved in all activities such as equipment, tool maintenance and Occupational Health and Safety training with the aim to fully preparing them to establish and conduct an independent workshop upon graduation.The workshop has facilities for most metal working techniques and students are able to experience by demonstration or personal application the various processes in the use of equipment, machines and media related to contemporary developments in Gold and Silversmithing.  The facilities have been specifically designed to achieve the aims of the course and include provisions for the following processes; casting in various materials; cold and hot forging; lathe work and other machining; toolmaking; metal finishing such as polishing and anodising as well as design studio techniques including computer aided design and rapid prototyping.