Repousse is the shaping of metal by pressing on the backside to create a relief.
We put our design, which is drawn on paper, on top of the foil. We trace over it pushing the lines into the copper. We do this on a soft pad of paper.
We used wooden tools with rounded ends for pushing out the shapes from the back of the copper. We push much like we would shade with a pencil, not too much pressure, back and forth different directions or with small circular motions. We do this while holding the copper in our hand or we lay it on top of some soft foam. Each shape in the design must be pushed out seperately so each shape will be clearly defined. (Think of a bodybuilder with well defined muscles.) For small shapes or raised lines pencils can be used.
The copper is then turned over on a hard surface and the background around the design are pushed back down flat where they may have lifted some as a result of the rubbing. This makes a clear defined edge around the main design. This means that the background is flat and the design comes out with a well defined edge. We use a flat wooden tool to do this or sometimes a pencil. (Think about a person with a blanket thrown over them. Then, think what it would be like having the blanket tucked in tight around their form.)
Next students work to put smaller design elements in the background. Line designs can be done or more complex shapes that can also come out of the copper. It is often necessary to rework areas of the design you already did, as some areas may be deformed when working.
As a last step textures can be put into remaining background areas. The copper can be made to look like any texture. Some students use small dashes like wood grain or stippling to fill the areas. These elements can be done from the front or back of the copper depending on the desired effect.
by Chance
by Seanta
by Kaitlin
by Matt
by Kevin
by Aaron
by Mr. Graham
by Mr. Graham
by Mr. Graham
First grade students did Ancient Egyptian self-portraits.
