Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay
Tuesday, June 3 - July 1
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, EST
(5) week 1-hour live, and interactive online group sessions on Go to Meeting
All levels of ability
Learn the secrets of transforming original photos or drawings into highly detailed, low-relief images, which look similar in style to traditional Repoussé. Discover how to wet-work a reverse polymer mold of your image, manipulate silver Metal Clay and use tools to create different hand-wrought textural effects, and carve details for the finishing touch.
The Repoussé Effect is only achieved by this technique and is different from photopolymer plates. The results are unique and original, beautifully echoing the hand of the artist.
Students should bring 3 to 4 “original” drawings or photographs to choose from, and together we can pick the best for the project. Anything that inspires you is fair game. The photos or drawings will be reduced in size with a photocopier if needed. A 3" x 5" picture/photo would be fine. I will teach the students how to frame and focus the viewers' attention as part of the lesson.
- Polymer Clay replaces metalsmith pitch in creating the repoussé effect of low-relief areas and fine detail.
- Learn how to use a variety of tools and carving implements to make a library of textural effects.
- Design skills include learning about creating a strong focus and understanding the use of support elements to lead your eye to the focal point, understanding the use of negative and positive space, along with foreground, middle ground, and background
- Polishing and finishing a textured surface.
Repoussé Effects in Metal Clay with Holly Gage
- Prior to class, approximately a week before class, I will send you a PDF file of the lesson. (Please keep this for your eyes only due to copyright)
- Students will receive a link to a Go to Meeting (no account needed) and should arrive 15 mins. prior to the start of the first class. (I'm in PA eastern standard time)
- During class I'll talk about design and demo major steps
- You can ask any applicable questions you need during class.
- If you need to try something while I'm there to watch, no problem.
- If you miss a class, bring any creative development homework to the next session.
- Please take progress picture(s) of your piece. I will have a Private board for you to upload the pictures, so we can all view it, this way I can reference it, or point to it during our session to describe what needs to be done next. Please send this creative development homework it at least 30 mins. before class if not sooner -- stopping to upload pictures disrupts class time.
- Holly Gage cannot be held responsible for technical difficulties arising bad internet connections. You should have a camera on your computer to participate. Other people on your personal network may also impede the session, so it is recommended that only one person in your household should use the network at a time. Headphones are recommended.
- If technical difficulties prevent an individual from communicating during the group session or impedes an entire session, I will communicate with that person after the session to rectify the problem. If technical difficulties disrupt the entire session, make up time shall be added to the end of the sessions.
- Art Clay 999 25g
- 400 grit sandpaper
- 3M polish paper, polishing cloth
- Super Sculpey Original beige polymer clay
- Eve® Rubber polishing wheels and knife-edge for Silver, blue (medium), pink (fine) for rotary tool
- 3M Radial Bristle Brushes 400 grit to fine
- Carving tools
- Ball stylus,
- Torch or Kiln. 25 g size restriction with torch use.
- Basic tool set and your favorite Metal Clays tools