713-529-4848
tfrank@crafthouston.org
Spend a day with current HCCC resident artist Adam Whitney exploring the fundamentals of chasing and repoussé. Adam specializes in traditional metalsmithing techniques—raising, chasing, and repoussé—through which he transforms metal sheets into intricate sculptural vessels, inspired by historical metalwork. In this workshop, participants will learn to use essential tools and techniques to create low-to-medium relief designs at a jewelry scale. Adam will discuss how he applies these same techniques on raised vessels to create his unique work.
Chasing and repoussé have been used since ancient times to emboss sheet metal into patterns, textures, and images. By using heat, hammers, and chasing tools, participants will utilize the malleable quality of metal to achieve high and low relief. Students will see the basics of moving metal using small tools and hammers to create a three-dimensional image. Emphasis on hammer uses, textures, some forming and cold forging will also be covered.
Each student will develop skills through hands-on experience by making their own samples in copper. These samples can be used to further develop and inspire the many uses of the chasing and repoussé technique.
The course is appropriate for any student who understands metalworking fundamentals and is interested in learning more about forming. Students must be comfortable handling a torch.
Note: The workshop takes place at the Glassell School’s Metals Studio. Space is limited to a maximum of 12 participants.