Description
For beginning to advanced metalsmiths and jewelers. This 2-day workshop will cover basic repousse and chasing skills.
Students will complete one piece of repousse where they learn to chase in their design with a lining tool, push the form out on the back of the piece, further sculpt the front side and finish.
Topics of discussion will be design transfer, thinking of design set up for the project, chasing tools & makers, hammers, different types of repousse, setting up to work on a piece in pitch and an ergonomically positive workspace.
Students will work on a simple design provided by instructor. Students may bring a design to work on after their first repousse project is complete.
Chasing tools and pitch will be provided by BMAG. Chasing and repousse resources to be provided by instructor. Chasing tool sets and pitch available for sale to students.
Lots of annealing (heating metal it to make it soft) is involved in this process so students should be comfortable using a torch. Instruction will be provided on annealing. Students should be comfortable sitting while working.
Repousse´ is French and means “to push out”. Repousse´ is the art of moving metal using pitch, chasing tools and hammers.  This technique has been used for thousands of years to sculpt metal into low and high relief objects.