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Chasing and Repousse
Repousse from the French word "to push out", is a technique for applying dimensional contours to sheet metal using dapping punches and other blunt tools. Chasing involves applying fine detail to the metal using small, specially shaped punches. With both techniques, the metal is suspended in flexible pitch to support the surface as it is being worked. Used in combination, chasing and repousse allow the metalsmith to create flat linear designs as well as 3-dimensional designs full of depth and volume. This workshop, taught by European master silversmith Valentin Yotkov, offers a hands-on exploration of ornamental design in metal. Participants will learn the basic techniques of chasing and repousse and the development of individual ideas and styles will be strongly encouraged. Previous experiences in chasing and repousses helpful but not required. This course is open to artists of all levels.
Meet the instructor
Valentin Yotkov is a world renowned silversmith with expertise in hand chasing and repoussé. He creates one-of-a-kind objects, sculptures and trophies in any non-ferrous metal and specializes in museum-quality reproductions. Mr. Yotkov also trains Tiffany jewelers in the art of chasing and repoussé.
Mr. Yotkov has been granted celebrity status by the US government. He enjoys permanent residency with the privilege of pursuing his talent as a Master Silversmith. He is internationally recognized as a designer, artisan, and teacher in the disappearing field of silversmithing.
Trained in the old-world guild system of silversmithing, Mr. Yotkov served his apprenticeship under the masters of Europe and learned his skills in the hands-on fashion. He received the State Master Certificate in his native Bulgaria.
Techniques he has mastered include raising, creating shapes by hand from flat sheet metal; chasing, decoration hammered on the outside surface of an object; repoussé, decoration in higher relief, embossed from the back or inside surface, then chased in detail from the front; and engraving, decoration carved on the outside. He is also accomplished in wax modeling, casting, and finishing (polishing and patina).
Valentin Yotkov's art has appeared in international exhibitions in Japan, Greece, Russia, Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, India, U.S.A., and China since 1982. In addition, private collections around the world proudly include the creative genius of this Master Silversmith. We are delighted to offer his talents to our students.
Materials & Tools
Materials:
The materials fee covers copper, tracing paper, transfer carbon, chapstick, and a citrus-based cleaning solvent. Workshop participants must provide their own prepared pitch bowl. Supplier information and instructions for preparing the pitch bowl are provided below.
Participants should bring the following to the workshop:
Please note: the pitch bowls should be prepared prior to the beginning of the workshop. Please allow enough time to assemble and prepare the bowl and pitch for use according to the instructions below.
Prepared pitch bowl, for which you will need:
- 8" diameter cast iron bowl
- A support for the bowl
- Allcraft Red German pitch or Northwest Pitchworks medium pitch (a green pitch)
- Plaster of Paris (optional)
- Chasing hammer #26 or heavier
- An old hand towel
- Ball point pen
- Eye protection (required)
- Chasing and repousse tools (optional and only if you already own them)
Suppliers:
The bowl and support can be ordered from either Gesswein or Allcraft.
Gesswein: located in CT, Telephone 800-243-4466. Their 8" bowl is item # 811-1310. The rubber ring support for the bowl is item # 811-1311.
Allcraft: located in NYC, Telephone 800-645-7124
You should order pitch directly from Allcraft. You can also order a bowl and rubber ring support at the same time, as this may save on shipping and handling costs. The pitch you want to order is red (soft) German pitch. It comes in 1 kilo blocks (2.2 lbs). When you phone in your order, ask to speak to Tevel. Tell him that you are taking a class at Metalwerx and you will receive a discount of about 7%. Tell him if you are a member of the Society of American Silversmiths, as that also entitles you to a discount.
Shipping from CT is one or two days, the same from NYC. Please allow yourself enough time to get your bowl prepared.
To fill your pitch bowl:
Since pitch is expensive, it pays to fill your bowl partially with plaster of Paris, which is available at hardware stores, Home Depot, and craft supply stores. Mix the plaster according to the package instructions and pour it into the bowl to within 2" of the top. Let the plaster cure for at least 24, and preferably 48 hours. If you do not wish to use plaster, you have to order two blocks of pitch.
Peel the foil away from your block of pitch - be careful, since the foil can have sharp edges. Place the pitch in an old pillowcase, or wrap it securely in a piece of old cotton sheeting or a section of old denim. (You can also try putting it inside two heavy-duty ziploc bags, but the pitch is sharp when it breaks and tends to puncture the plastic and make a mess.) Set it on concrete outside and hit it repeatedly with a hammer until you have a pile of Chunks. The melting process goes more quickly and smoothly if you can get these between 1" and 2" in size or smaller.
Place the chips directly on the cured plaster in the bowl. Dont pile in so many that they rise above the rim. You can always add more once the pitch relaxes and begins to flow. Put the bowl into a Pyrex pie dish or other glass baking dish. DO NOT put the rubber ring under the bowl. Place the bowl on the middle rack of your oven. Turn the heat to 350F.; if you are using the Northwest Pitchworks pitch, heat it to 250F. As the oven warms, the pitch will begin to spread evenly in the bowl, and in about 30 - 40 minutes, it should be melted. Once it has leveled, tap around the sides gently a few times with a wooden spoon to encourage the bubbles to rise. Add more chips of pitch until the surface of the pitch is about 1/4" from the top of the bowl.
DO NOT handle the hot bowl when the pitch is liquid! Turn off the oven, open the door, and allow the pitch to cool completely before moving it.