The Art of Mokume Gane
Featured Fine Art
This tsuba is inspired by of one of the most well-known mokume gane tsubas in history - the Yoshino River Tsuba made by Takahashi Okitsugu in the mid-late Edo period in Japan. I used different metals (copper, brass and nickel silver), and a silhouette of my own design; five-lobed rather than 8-lobed. It took me about two years to create, and is just a first draft. Next one will be made with silver, shakudo and shibuichi. From my very first billets, I always wanted to create crisp, unique mokume patterns with great control. This was different from a lot of the fairly random, all-over stuff I was seeing. It was in Masaki Takahashi's "Textbook of Mokume Gane" book that I was first introduced to the historical work of Takahashi Okitsugu - I saw it was possible to create such patterns, so I had a goal. Read more.
Featured workshop
Mokume Essentials: From Fusing to Patterning - In-person
March 30-April 3 (begins the evening of the 30th, then runs 4 full days)
Tuition £692
West Dean College of Arts, Design, Craft and Conservation, Sussex
Learn the basics of mokume gane from billet to patterning at the reknown West Dean craft school in Southern England. Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of non-ferrous metals are fused together using time, heat, and pressure (no solder). On day 1 we’ll stack and fuse billets using the precise solid-state diffusion bonding method. Day 2 we’ll forge and roll the billets down to workable material. Days 3 and 4 will be an enticing smorgasbord of patterning techniques. You’ll leave with detailed handouts to practice and repeat the processes, fused mokume, and patterned mokume (ready to be fashioned into finished work later at your home studio). 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. Register online at WestDean.ac.uk.
Free Resources and Events
San Diego Jewelry Lab Online Sawing Circle & Hammer Yammer
Hammer Yammer: Once a month, every 1st Tuesday 5:30-7pm Pacific.
Sawing Circle: Once a month, every 3rd Tuesday 5:30-7pm Pacific.
Where: Online via Zoom - Cost: FREE
Sponsored by Anneville Studio and Mondo Bop Metal Arts Gifts & Gear
Our online gatherings are a bit like a book club but instead of reading, we work on cool stuff, help each other with problems, share ideas and provide accountability for ongoing work. If you've been looking for support for moving forward on your projects then this is for you. Join us from your studio to work in the good conversation and company of like-minded friends. Totally free, no need to RSVP, simply make yourself a snack, settle at your bench and click the button to join in. Explore our Padlet and other resources at SanDiegoJewelryLab.com.
I don't attend all the time, but when I am there, I'm happy to answer any mokume or other metals question, general or specific. Even if I'm not there, you'll still have fun, I promise!
In the middle of teaching a four day mokume gane short course at truly magical West Dean College. Working hard but taking time to soak in the atmosphere too. Great bunch of students working hard too! Tomorrow, rolling out the billets. Wish us luck!