Ann's post about Repousse got me thinking there might
be something quick and easy out there for all of us to
use as background information for metal/foil tooling
-- then move on to our specific cultures. Are you
doing Mexico Deb? There is a great contemporary
Mexican artist below:
Repousse[rupOOsAŽ] Pronunciation Key, the process or
the product of ornamenting metallic surfaces with
designs in relief hammered out from the back by hand.
Gold and silver are most commonly used today for fine
work, but copper and tin are suitable for the purpose,
and bronze was extensively used in past times. The
process is of ancient origin, having been employed by
most early civilizations. Among the finest examples of
repousse are the famous bronze armor of Greece of the
4th cent. B.C., Byzantine religious works, and much of
the gold and bronze work of Benvenuto Cellini. The
process is distinct from embossing, in which the
relief ornament is produced by use of dies.
Metalwork in General:
http://www.1upinfo.com/encyclopedia/M/metalwor.html
metalwork. Copper, gold, and silver were probably
fashioned into ornaments and amulets as early as the
Neolithic period. Goldwork and silverwork have since
employed the talents of leading artisans and artists
in making jewelry, plate, inlays, and sculpture. The
first great advance in metalworking occurred when
techniques for making bronze sculpture were developed
during the Bronze Age. Brass, an alloy of copper with
zinc, came into use later (see brasses, monumental;
brasses, ornamental). The Iron Age provided a cheaper
medium used chiefly for tools and ornamental ironwork
until modern times, when improved methods, alloys, and
machinery made iron available and essential to the
industrial and structural trades. Pewter, tin, and
lead have been used in industrial and art metalwork.
Methods of shaping metals include drawing, spinning,
hammering, and casting; various decorative processes
include chasing, damascening, embossing, enamel work,
filigree, gilding, inlaying, niello, and repousse.
click on the different processes on the page for more)
Also Bronze age:
http://www.1upinfo.com/encyclopedia/B/BronzeAg.html
I bet my Encarta would have a nice brief introduction
for us too.
"Metal artist of the Mexican Contemporary generation.
Rocio uses metalwork techniques of Chasing and
Repoussé to raise intricate designs on Tin and
Silver. She is known for her extraordinary metalwork,
drenched in intricate motifs, and infused with the
innate drama of Nature. Her favorite objects are Icon
covers,Triptychs and Jewish Art, which she works down
to the finest detail. Ancient Iconography and
Religious Art are re-envisioned to depict modern
womanhood."
Thanks Deb for getting the wheels turning on this one.
Let us know what you hve in mind.
Joan
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