Clay -> Wax -> Silver

I've been having so much fun with a new technique I came across. What I like about it is that it allows one the freedom to play and explore the matter they're working with and literally be able to 'draw' your pattern straight onto the metal. I found it quite therapeutic and love the layered affect. I really enjoy the element of surprise at the end because you never know exactly how the outcome is going to turn out...I like that!
You basically press, draw or imprint whatever you like into a piece of rolled out clay. You then pour some melted wax onto the clay and press it across the patters with the palm of your hand, pressing the wax into the dents. Once the patterned wax flakes are all peeled off, they are invested and cast in silver and TA DA!!!













Wax elements to be cast

Testing the waters...

It's about time I tried out some reppousse! After gathering a few pointers from fellow students, I plucked up the courage to finally grab a pitch bowl and get to it. I started with a fly pressed oval dome (as I was thinking about a locket) but realised very quickly that my technique was nowhere near good enough to jump straight to that, so I took a step backwards and began on a flat copper plate. It was very challenging, and the outcome was dreadful to say the least, but I'd started....

A bit dispondant but determined, I tried again on a piece of silver plate, slightly thicker, and the result was far from good enough but most definately an improvement! I would really like to persevere in this and try and develop my reppousse and chasing. I know it's going to be a slow and frustrating path to take but with patience I'm sure I will gain alot of experience and satisfaction in the long run.

First Attempt



















Second Attempt