Judy Johnson McFee

I discovered repoussé in 1999 at a small art festival in North Carolina that featured live demonstrations of long forgotten arts and crafts. After weeks working as an apprentice with a talented artist, I began experimenting with different techniques and patinas developing new knowledge as my own creations evolved. The result is a variety of styles and approaches inspired by my extensive travels and exposure to areas throughout North America.

The ancient and honorable art form of repoussé is one the oldest metalsmithing techniques in the world…virtually every culture with access to metal has left examples. Native copper, discovered during the Late Stone Age around 8000BC, was one of the first metals used for repoussé.

The art of repoussé, simply put, is raising a design in relief giving form to a sheet of metal by pressing it out from the back and in from the front. The word repoussé comes from the French verb meaning “to push back”.

In addition to a range of tools used for “pushing” or sculpting the copper, repoussé also depends on the plasticity of a supporting material that holds the metal work. One of the special characteristics of repoussé is the ability to watch the form evolve and to continually refine the forms and ideas as the work progresses. Coloring of the copper to emphasize the dimensions is achieved by oxidizing (natural or chemical), acrylic paints, and/or direct heat. The coloring darkens the metal which is then lightly sanded with fine steel wool to bring up the shine and highlights. The finishes are the results of experimentation with different patinas. Each piece takes on it’s own character and is truly an original.

I hope my interpretation of copper repoussé will arouse your interest and help preserve this beautiful unique ancient art form.