As a jewelry design teacher...

My main focus is helping the student develop their ideas and express their personality using metalsmithing techniques. Because it has not been a long period of time since I experienced my first metals class, I have a fresh memory of things that caused me difficulty and how I solved those problems. Resolving problems a student may have technically or design wise is a great experience for me because it improves my skills. I want the student to learn all of the basic techniques used to create jewelry. Learning the basic fundamentals will be vital to successful completion of the projects.

I have an outgoing personality, which helps to draw in some of the more reserved students. I want all of my students to excel in my class. I will help them to excel by my willingness to answer any question they may have about class materials and current processes being addressed. I can also help them incorporate subject matter they may wish to express in their work. Some students are intimidated by instructors, feeling that their aesthetic is too different than the instructor. This sometimes becomes a hindrance to the development of ideas.

I want the student to feel that not only have they learned a new way to express themselves through metalsmithing techniques but that they also feel a sense of pride in the pieces they create. They should feel that the pieces they create are more than just an assignment.

Andre'a Jackson
Instructor/Designer