METHODOLOGY
The Eutectic Arts Program is "Challenge by Choice."
The practice of casting metal is simultaneously individual in the art-making, and communal in its execution. There is power in both components: building self-confidence while also trusting and relying on others.
Each participant chooses a specific role in the process such as charging the furnace, a member of a pour team, clean-up crew, safety officer, photographer, sculptor, and observer. The educational and therapeutic goals for each component of the activity are expanded below:
DESIGN AND SCULPT
DESIGN & SCULPT
(Scratch-Block Carving)
OBJECTIVES
Engage in creative expression through a given theme or individual idea
Exposure to a new and different mode of art making
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Conceive and articulate design
Transferring design idea to scratch block (thinking in three dimensions, and in reverse)
Learning to create using various sculpting tools
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Challenge to try something new
Individual self-expression
Positive creative thinking
SET UP EQUIPMENT
SET UP EQUIPMENT
OBJECTIVES
Physical and emotional challenge
Confidence building
Collaborative working
Communication
Gaining a more in-depth understanding of the tools, building respect for the process
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Organizing / Planning
Mapping setup
Problem solving
Mechanical construction
Assembly and tool use
Safety
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Teamwork
Communication
Risk taking
Trust
Self-confidence
DISCUSSION OF ROLES
OVERVIEW OF PROCESS
DISCUSSION OF ROLES (Challenge by Choice)
REVIEW SAFETY & PRACTICE
OBJECTIVES
Familiarize students with the process, planned activities, and emphasize proper safety awareness
Create teams and communication opportunities through command terms and language
Increase confidence in ability to
perform roles
TECHNICAL SKILLS
General knowledge of equipment function, how to conduct yourself on the pour field, familiarity with specific tasks and roles (why / how)
Introduced to the choreography of the pour and they get to feel the weight of the equipment, test tipping the furnace, ladles, tongs, etc.
Communication: verbal and non-verbal
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Empowerment to choose
Every person and role is indispensable and vital to contributing to the activity and community
Respecting for the process
Increase confidence through capacity to engage in new challenges, risk taking, building self-esteem
POUR METAL
MELT METAL AND POUR MOLDS
OBJECTIVES
Safely work in a team
Clear communication, judgement, attentiveness
Pour your molds!
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Proper use of all tools and following safety procedure
Operating equipment
Pouring molten metal
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Communication and teamwork
Self-confidence
Risk taking
Trust
Empowerment of self and others
Overcoming fears
Attention
Spatial awareness
Judgement
FINISH CASTINGS
FINISH CASTINGS
OBJECTIVES
Finish your piece using additional creative methods and tools
Make aesthetic decisions
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Finishing tool use: grinders, sanders
Surface coloration: patinas, stains, wax
Display considerations: hanging, mounting, etc.
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Pride in completing the sculpting process
How finishing the piece relates to overall mental health and self-worth
Value in taking on a new challenge and producing an art object
CLEAN UP
CLEAN UP
OBJECTIVES
Participating in the community effort to break down equipment, pack up, put everything away, dispose of debris
Recognize responsibility to the environment (leave no footprint)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Executive Function Skills:
Organization
Planning
Initiation
Attention to detail (i.e. not losing parts and tools, everything put back in its place)
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Contribute to the community, and
the environment
Increase responsibility and complete the process
MAKING CONNECTIONS
PROCESSING THE EXPERIENCE AND MAKING CONNECTIONS
SHARING YOUR WORK
OBJECTIVES
Reflect upon the process and experience of creating and pouring your art
Learn and articulate something about the transformation of the material, your piece, and yourself
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Verbal and written communication of experience
THERAPEUTIC VALUE
Actualization
Self-reflection, growth and change
Communication
Team work
Self-empowerment
Recognizing and reflecting that the process of creating an individual unique piece of art in this medium is completed through the use of teamwork and trust