UNDER THE SEA REPOUSSE

Under The Sea Repousse

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Under The Sea Repousse using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use metallic colors (bronze, gold, copper), shape variation (geometric, organic), and line types (contour, outline, thick, thin) inspired by Canadian Artist (1960-Present) Sandra Silberzweig
• Use metalworking techniques (spinning, hammering, engraving) and design principles (emphasis, contrast, movement) based on Ancient Art
• Define Embossing (carve, mold, or stamp a design into a surface that is raised in relief)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Citrine Coral Fish (2012) Sandra Silberzweig
2. Read Deep In The Ocean by Lucie Bruenlliere
3. Discussion Questions "What is the repousse technique? What does repousse work look like? What else do you see? Which shapes are carved so that they are only slightly higher than the background? Have you ever tried using metal letterpress print blocks as stamps? What does this remind you of? How do the different elements in this work contribute to a central theme or idea? Is the passage of time represented here? If so, how? What are some properties that are unique to metal as an art medium? How do the unique properties and aesthetic of metal influence the artist's design?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use a graphite pencil to draw shape variations (geometric, organic) of the selected sea creature (turtle, crab, octopus, fish) for repousse art
2. Use line types (contour, outline, curved) to cover sea creatures (turtle, crab, octopus, fish) in colorful yarn 
3. Use aluminum foil to cover sea creatures (turtle, crab, octopus, fish) of Under The Sea Repousse

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Under The Sea Repousse for Assigned Table
2. Kaleidoscope Fish (2019) Sandra Silberweig
3. Discussion Questions "How does the placement of objects within the work create feelings of focus or communicate ideas? What are the key sections of the artwork? How do these sections interact with one another? How do you they work together to convey an idea or feeling? What are the variations that contribute to the meaning of the total composition or message? Do you see evidence of change or transformation in this artwork? If so, describe where you see this and how does it influence the overall meaning? What is the main idea of this artwork? How does this work of art relate to the theme or topic of our lesson? Does knowing this information change what you think about this work of art? If so, how and why?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use metalworking tools to smooth the surface of the aluminum foil of the sea creatures (turtle, crab, fish, octopus) within the work
2. Use metallic colors (copper, bronze, gold) to fill in the positive space (sea creatures) of their Under The Sea Repousse
3. Use metallic colors (copper, bronze, gold) to fill in the negative space (habitat) of their Under The Sea Repousse

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Under The Sea Repousse for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (Aluminum Foil, Metalworking Tools, Sharpie Markers)

Lesson Activities

1. Add embellishments (beads, buttons, ribbon, netting) to the positive space (sea creatures) of their Under The Sea Repousse
2. Add embellishments (beads, buttons, ribbon, netting) to the negative space (habitat) of their Under The Sea Repousse
3. Use a shoe polish to brighten the metallic colors (copper, bronze, gold) within their Under The Sea Repousse

Artist Examples

Student Examples