Abstract
This paper documents the investigation into the creative possibilities of Argentium™ Sterling Silver. The aim was to test the qualities and performance of this new material in the complex environment of practical application and to complement its scientific development with an exploration of the new artistic opportunities that it might offer. For this purpose, two designs of tableware were developed, one of which was based on using a range of traditional techniques, the other on using new technologies such as laser-welding and laser-bending. The performance of Argentium™ Silver was compared with that of traditional Sterling Silver based on the extensive experience of the artist-researcher in working with Sterling Silver. Additionally, direct comparative tests between both materials were conducted where necessary and appropriate. The outcome of this research was twofold. Firstly, it provided an assessment of the material’s qualities and performance within practical application, which allowed recommendations to be made for its use in creative practice of relevance both to makers and industry. Secondly, it showed that the utilisation of new technologies can offer new avenues for designing silver, such as the development of a new formal language which may help (re)forming contemporary views of the material silver.
Keywords
craft, investigative practice, new technologies, materials research, Argentium™ Sterling Silver
Citation
Niedderer, K., Johns, P., and Harrison, C. (2006) Exploring the Creative Possibilities of Argentium™ Sterling Silver, in Friedman, K., Love, T., Côrte-Real, E. and Rust, C. (eds.), Wonderground - DRS International Conference 2006, 1-4 November, Lisbon, Portugal. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2006/researchpapers/68
Exploring the Creative Possibilities of Argentium™ Sterling Silver
This paper documents the investigation into the creative possibilities of Argentium™ Sterling Silver. The aim was to test the qualities and performance of this new material in the complex environment of practical application and to complement its scientific development with an exploration of the new artistic opportunities that it might offer. For this purpose, two designs of tableware were developed, one of which was based on using a range of traditional techniques, the other on using new technologies such as laser-welding and laser-bending. The performance of Argentium™ Silver was compared with that of traditional Sterling Silver based on the extensive experience of the artist-researcher in working with Sterling Silver. Additionally, direct comparative tests between both materials were conducted where necessary and appropriate. The outcome of this research was twofold. Firstly, it provided an assessment of the material’s qualities and performance within practical application, which allowed recommendations to be made for its use in creative practice of relevance both to makers and industry. Secondly, it showed that the utilisation of new technologies can offer new avenues for designing silver, such as the development of a new formal language which may help (re)forming contemporary views of the material silver.