Tuesday, April 28, 2020

COVID 19 Interviews: VCC Jewellery: How Students Shine On

The Jewellery Makers at VCC always have a stunning Grad Exhibit, as well as special sales throughout the year and more. I look forward to seeing their work light up the main hall of the downtown campus! I have seen so many examples of how Students are connecting with their public by posting photos of their home studios and examples of ongoing projects: rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The pieces are displayed in clear boxes that the students design. Each is unique. Here is an example. Recently, I was thrilled to meet Karin Jones, Department Head, at the Vancouver Civic Centre, at another fabulous display. I loved the idea that VCC Jewellery was moving more into community exhibits and thought perhaps that the Vancouver Civic Centre would be a perfect place for a combination of VCC Fashion and VCC Jewellery to do a joint event. Now I will have to look forward to that, during this time when we are isolated. My friend, Writer, Marilyn R. Wilson, has written an ongoing series of interviews with local Entrepreneurs and I have been inspired to follow her lead in highlighting Artists and Designers and learning how they are moving their businesses and studies forward.

During COVID 19, everything is closed and I asked Karin to tell us more about how the VCC Jewellery Program, Staff and Students are going ahead, despite this isolation. Thank you, Karin, for your time and reflections.

Interview with Karin Jones

1. Please tell us about your business, length of time, audience, goals 

VCC's 2-year, full-time, Jewellery Art and Design Diploma program was founded in 1988 by Maciek Walentowicz. Previously, VCC had a Jewellery and Goldsmith apprenticeship program geared towards training people as bench goldsmiths. At the time, Walentowicz saw a need for a more artistic program that would serve the needs of people (many of whom were women) who wanted to learn jewellery and open their own businesses as studio jewellers. Since then the program has trained 10-20 students a year, preparing them for careers as studio jewellers and bench goldsmiths. In recent surveys we found that 80% of our applicants entered the program with the goal of being self-employed. We also found that our students are wanting to learn techniques more in depth rather than having a dabbling of many different techniques. We're currently re-vamping the 2-year program to make sure students learn each technique well enough to leave the program with a higher level of confidence in their skills. We will then be working on adding a third year where students can learn more specialized techniques that haven't been covered in the first 2 years.

2. How did you work with people before COVID 19? 

Before COVID 19, all our classes were face-to-face. The instructors would work in the workshops with up to 20 students at one time. They would perform demo's while the class gathered around their workbenches watching and taking notes. Even our so-called "theory" classes (Gemmology, Art History, Design, Drawing, Business Management and 3D digital design) were very hands-on and conducted with the whole group present in the classroom.

3. How has social isolation affected you and your work/the program? 

When the restrictions were put in place, we were just entering the phase of the program when students spend 5 weeks working on their own projects in the workshop to present at our year-end show. We have had to revise this so that the students can work at home. Many of them had spent 6 months working on ideas, designing and refining their designs in preparation for the year-end show. Now they have had to completely re-think their ideas since some don't have access to even the most basic jewellery equipment at home. However, we have already seen some stunning results as they experiment at home with a range of materials at home, from plastics, to organic materials and paper. Those that have workbenches and torches at home are using them to create some interesting work as well.

4. What are some of the strategies you and your students are using to reach your public/customers/audience right now? 

We have finally started using Moodle, and online course platform that VCC has had for years, but that we have never used. This allows instructors to post demo videos and resources, schedule Zooms, and generally keep content in one place for the students to access. In addition, students are regularly posting photos of their progress, so that instructors and peers can make comments and suggestions. 
In terms of reaching the public, we're working on creating an online exhibition, since we are likely not able to have our show in the lobby this year. In addition to sending out press releases like we always do about the show I will be teaching students to how to write their own and try to attract some attention.
We have also started doing info sessions on Zoom. Our next one is on May 5 at 5 PM. To sign up, you can go to: https://vcc.ca/applying/apply-now/info-sessionstours/jewellery-art-and-design/

5. Do you have a motto, mantra, role model/mentor that leads you forward?  

Our current team of faculty started working in the program under Department Head Dariusz Bebel, who has since passed away. His motto was always "Just go for it!". You really can't argue with that! All of us need to adapt and change to rise to whatever challenge we are faced with. This is especially true of artists, and I think as creative individuals were are well positioned to find inspiring ways to adapt to changes.


The photos are by Juliana Jara, who's using recycled plastics which she's melting into petal shapes, and colouring with different inks and paints. 


Sarah Murray (VCC) and Karin Jones 

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