Marissa Ziesing

Hello, my name is Marissa Ziesing and I have been invited to be their first jewellery and metalsmithing resident at the Center for Metal Arts in Warwick Valley, New York. This is a unique opportunity and unique international residency having recently added a state of the art jewellery facility to their centre. The CMA is a community of makers, blacksmiths, metalsmiths, artists and craftspeople exploring new skills and mastering advanced techniques in the metal arts.This new opportunity allows me to work alongside professional artists in the metals field in a community based setting. 

ABOUT ME 

I am a recent graduate from the University of South Australia’s, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Jewellery and metal). Prior to this, I studied over three years, a Diploma in Jewellery and Object Design, at Enmore Design Centre, Sydney.

Throughout my studies in jewellery and object design, I found myself drawn to traditional silversmithing and metalsmithing, using heat and hammering techniques to form three-dimensional objects and vessels. Recently I started exploring blacksmithing where 

I made my first knife to accompany my wooden platter.  It will be exciting to learn more about traditional blacksmithing metals and processes and extend my skills.  To date, my work consists of unrestrained sculptural objects and vessels that translate a sense of place through form and delicate texture. Each object echoes elements derived from my childhood in Canberra, and a sense of my place in my Australia.

Additional information about my work can be found at: 

http://www.marissaziesing.com/

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Traditional blacksmithing, metalsmithing and silversmithing are unfortunately declining trades within Australia, there are a small number of masters and teachers practicing. This residency will allow me to experience the American silversmithing, metalsmithing and blacksmithing community and to be mentored by renowned Dan Neville the jewellery and metalsmithing coordinator at the Centre and Patrick Quinn, the blacksmithing studio coordinator at the Centre. Exposure to mentors of this calibre will contribute to my work as an emerging artist, metalsmith, silversmith and jeweller. I will apply these new skills to a series of final forms, functional or non-functional vessels/hollowware along with lots of experimentation and research development.

As this residency will be my first venture outside of Australia, the opportunity to experience another way of life and learn not only about the metalworks industry but the people, the history and see the contrasts of culture and environments firsthand. It will no doubt be both challenging and exciting opening up new perspectives about the theories around place and identity and in turn have influences on my practice and into a new body of work.  

Having just completed my degree I am in the beginning stages of building a Career in Adelaide and establishing myself as a maker, contemporary jeweller,and silversmith. I have been able to exhibit my work with Helpmann Academy, University of South Australia, Zu Design and Sarah Rothe. Currently, I rent a bench at Zu Design in Adelaide Arcade and work in Jewellery designer Sarah Rothe’s shop in Regent Arcade.

Further, this residency will open up international opportunities for future partnerships and collaboration, accelerate my learning and exhibiting. In turn, as a maker I will share as I teach my new-found skills and techniques within my local community. I will not only be promoting my practice as an artist I will be promoting, teaching and educating the public about the diminishing crafts of blacksmithing, silversmithing and metalsmithing. 

The Center for Metal Arts are providing me with Private lessons, my own studio space, the necessary tools and consumables I will need throughout my stay.

I have received additional support from South Australia's leading arts organisations. The Helpmann Academy will cover costs of flights and accommodation throughout the stay. A Guildhouse IF interest-free loan will assist with the costs of visa, transportation, gallery/studio visits in and around New York City and per diems. 

Further information on Helpmann Academy and Guildhouse can be found here:

www.helpmannacademy.com.au

https://guildhouse.org.au/

I need your support to purchase travel insurance, materials and to attend their summer weekend masterclasses with craftsman who specialise in specific metalworks skills, CMA are providing me a 50% discount on classes. 

Insurance - $ 540

Materials - $ 688

Hammer making masterclass (50%discount) ($240 USD) - $336 AUD 

Pewter Tumbler masterclass  (50%discount) ($240 USD) - $336 AUD 

Breakdown of all costs for this residency

Accommodation $ 840  

Flights $ 1,971

Per Diems ($50 AUD)$ 2,730

Travel & Gallery visits$ 1,000

Private Lesson (mentorship)$12,600 

Studio hire$ 2,412 

Total expenditure = 23, 453

With a Pozible goal of $2,000 minus the cost of the rewards offered and Pozible fees, my goal is to raise $1,700 to put towards this masterclass opportunity.

Any support towards this will be amazing. Knowing that I have such incredible amount of support already has given me confidence in my practice/work and the value it holds to others.Thank you for making this residency possible.

I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to the arts organisations, Helpmann Academy and Guildhouse for their continued support in my practice for without organisations like these it is not possible for fledgling artists to have these career building opportunities.  

Additional information about the Centre for Metal Arts can be found here: http://www.centerformetalarts.com/

The Center for Metal Arts is internationally known and has won many awards. My challenge will be my ability to embrace new skills, to practice and experiment and have the stamina to absorb every minute of this intensive six-week residency.

Crowdfunding is all or nothing, meaning if you don’t reach your set target you won’t receive any pledged support.