Monday, December 7, 2009

Nunavut Rocks!


Last week we were given a presentation by Massoud Robatian, a geologist from INAC. He showed us all kinds of rocks, minerals and gemstones that are found here on Baffin Island.


We learned about the Moh Scale, which determines the hardness of minerals, and also the Crystal Systems which indicate the different shapes of minerals and how they form. Massoud taught us the difference between minerals and rocks, as well as, what characteristics classify a gemstone. The magnetic rocks were really interesting. We were all impressed that the magnetic pull from a rock could be so strong! We were told how the different elements on the periodic table influenced the colours of minerals and gemstones, and how different combinations of elements created such a wide varitey of rocks.


We used loops to inspect the rocks and minerals closely.



Learning about the gemstones is benificial because next semester well will be learning how to set stones in our jewellery and metalwork.


The presentation was very educational and fun. Thanks Massoud!













Monday, November 30, 2009

Sale Success!

All of the hard work from the last two weeks has paid off. The Christmas Ornamant sale was a huge success! Before the ornaments were even displayed, a large crowd gathered in anticipation. The foyer of he Main Campus was packed with people looking to get there hands on the students fine metalwork. At exactly 5:00 the work was unvieled and mob was set loose to pick out their favorite pieces.


The ornaments were completely sold out in just 23 minutes!


A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out and supported the students of the Jewellery and metalwork program!


Here are some examples of the ornaments.


Kaajuk

















Henry


Joe



















Myles





























Jutanie
























Patrick

























Silas































































Peter

































Monday, November 23, 2009

The Final Countdown

We are in the final stretch of our preperations for the Christmas Ornament Sale this friday. So little time and so much to do!



The press releases and posters have gone out. The polishing room is in constant motion. The ceaseless echos of hammering floods the studios and hallway.

The clock is a-tickin'!

An indispensible aspect of the classroom environment, especially in an art making setting, is the community that is created between the artists.
Today we had a group discussion to talk about each persons work so far. This gave up an opportunity to see what everyone is working on, and offer any praise, advice or suggestions to help improve the work. The group critiques are an invaluable learning tool, not only to help improve the art work, but also to learn to take a step back from ones art and look at it objectively. Feedback from peers helps to form educated opinions, train a keen eye and shed new light on different ideas.



SNEAK PEEK!!

A couple finished ornaments to entice potential shoppers!



by Jutanie Arnakaq


















by Myles Gauthier

There will be absolutlely NO SALES prior to the evening of the sale.

Christmas Ornament Sale
November 27th, 2009
5:00pm to 6:30pm
Nunavut Arctic College Main Campus

See you there!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Hard at work


The Sakku Studio is alive with action as the students prepare for the Christmas Sale on the 27th. Excitment is growing with each new piece that receives a nod of approval and its final polish. Check out the students in action!




Myles adding texture to his piece




Henry's bench



Kaajuk chases patterns into his work




Joe contemplating layout




Silas refines the edges




Look! Even Kirk is having fun!!!








Monday, November 16, 2009

Christmas Ornament Sale!


This semester has been going by so fast! We have now begun preparing for the annual Christmas Ornament Sale. For the next two weeks, we will be working hard in the metal studio to create orginal, handmade ornaments made of brass. We are practising the skills we have learned so far; sawing, bending, texturing, riveting and chasing.


In addition to creating the art work to sell, we have been working on the business side of things. Creating posters for advertising, writing press releases and making business cards are all part of the business of art. Today a few of the students gave interviews to the Nunatsiaq Newspaper to help promote interest in the program and sale.


The sale is to take place at the Nunavut Arctic College Main Campus, November 27th, 2009, between 5:00 and 6:30pm. In the past this has been a very popular event and the art work goes fast!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Joe Macpa


Arctic Butterfly
Joe Macpa
Brass
2" x 3"
2009
The name of my piece is "Arctic Butterfly"
This sculpture is made of brass and copper wire
I chose to make a butterfly becauase they are beautiful and symbolize flying free.
It had traditional shapes like ulu, whale, Inukshuk, kamiks, and diamonds.
This piece represents my life in Nunavut.

Peter Akatsiak


Inuit Game
Peter Akatsiak
Brass and Copper
2009