Innovative chasing
Alice is one of the only metal workers in the world to re-create and re-imagine mineral specimens using the technique of chasing and repoussé, making her work completely unique.
To Alice, it's like drawing in 3D.
What is Chasing and Repoussé?
It is the technique of moving sheet metal from both sides by hammering steel punches into the surface of the metal, whilst supporting the work in what's known as pitch.
This ancient technique has been used amongst metal workers for thousands of years and has been passed down through generations. Using only simple tools, you can create a wide variety of styles, forms and textures.
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Repoussé
Repoussé is pushing the metal from the back of the piece, usually pushing out larger areas. Rounder punches are used for this.
In this stage, Alice works from the back of the piece to push out areas for the crystal shapes with a rounded punch.
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Chasing
Chasing is refining the detail from the front. This may be flattening areas, adding texture, or moving the metal in a way desirable to the design.
Once the crystal shapes have been repousséd into rounded forms, Alice works from the front of the piece, using punches with a tiny flat surface to move the metal into the flat, angular crystal shapes for which she is known.
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Pitch
Pitch is the substance used to hold and support the metal in place while it is being worked on. It is soft when heated and hard when cool. The pitch is held in a bowl in order for Alice to hammer the punches at different angles.
Traditionally, bitumen is used — a type of asphalt that's used on the roads. Alice uses different pine resins as her pitch, as it is more environmentally friendly.
