Johan van Aswegan is an enamelist and jeweler born in Namibia, Africa. He studied under the famed Professor Hermann Junger in Munich, Germany before moving to the US in 1996 to teach at RISD. Van Aswegen’s work encapsulates an age-old tradition in jewelry – that of a personal marker or monument. The scale and tone of his work is monumental; subtle arrangements of historical references and classic forms are combined with desert-like tonal variations in color to embody the purity of contemporary ornamentation. His work has been exhibited internationally in galleries and museums, including the Museum of Art and Design, NY; Nitskana Gallery, South Africa; Stadt Museum, Munich, Germany and Daegu, Seoul, Korea.
Courses
Fall 2024 Courses
JM 4417-01 - SOPHOMORE JEWELRY 1
LevelUndergraduate
UnitJewelry + Metalsmithing
Subject Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Period Fall 2024
Credits 3
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
JM 4417-01
SOPHOMORE JEWELRY 1
LevelUndergraduate
UnitJewelry + Metalsmithing
Subject Jewelry + Metalsmithing
PeriodFall 2024
Credits3
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2024-09-04 to 2024-12-11
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PMInstructor(s): Johan Van AswegenLocation(s): Metcalf Building, Room 220Enrolled / Capacity: 15Status: Closed
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Sophomore Jewelry I is the first of two introductory studio classes which will familiarize students with the creative jewelry studio environment. Fundamental tools and techniques integral to working with metal are introduced during class demonstrations over the semester. Class projects are structured to blend the use of tools with techniques and are introduced in order of complexity. The course begins with designing and constructing structurally sound 3D objects from 2D metal sheet stock. By the conclusion of the semester students are equipped with technical skills to make jewelry informed with an awareness of the body as site. This is the first of a two-semester course.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Spring 2025 Courses
JM 4433-01 - SOPHOMORE JEWELRY 2
LevelUndergraduate
UnitJewelry + Metalsmithing
Subject Jewelry + Metalsmithing
Period Spring 2025
Credits 3
FormatStudio
Mode In-Person
Start date
End date
JM 4433-01
SOPHOMORE JEWELRY 2
LevelUndergraduate
UnitJewelry + Metalsmithing
Subject Jewelry + Metalsmithing
PeriodSpring 2025
Credits3
FormatStudio
ModeIn-Person
Start and End2025-02-13 to 2025-05-23
Times: W | 11:20 AM - 4:20 PMInstructor(s): Johan Van AswegenLocation(s): Metcalf Building, Room 220Enrolled / Capacity: 15Status: Closed
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The emphasis of this course is on the intricacy and sophistication of metal construction. An introduction to stone settings, gem stones, and an awareness of gemology will be included. Technical information is presented in a clear, logical manner facilitating mastery of these essential skills. The class requires effort, patience, accuracy and sensitivity to the material. Each project pairs a technical skill with a search of creative design solutions that are based on individual sources of interests. This increases the challenge of the projects, and encourages growth in students' design awareness and ability, along with furthering technical capabilities. Drawings and models precede all projects. Students are required to maintain an active sketchbook, as well as a notebook with class handouts.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
