Scented oil bottle (detail), sterling silver, gold, chased, repoussé, 15″ x 3″
Author Archives: nmegan
Coastal Path
Bracelet, sterling silver, chased, repoussé
The Tornado Coils
Brooch (detail), sterling silver, paper—poem on paper by Susan Welch, constructed, 5.5” x 2” x .75”
Schneckenloeffel
Ladle, alloyed silver, sterling silver, cast glass bead, hot forged, hollow formed, chased, repoussé, 18″ x 5″ x 3”
Silence is Golden
Brooch, fine silver, 24k gold keum-boo, chased, hammered, 3.5″x3″x.25″
Marine Life
Brooch, sterling silver, chased, repoussé, 3″ x 3” x .375″
“Art Jewelry Invitational” at Museo Gallery, Langley, WA, May 4–28, 2019
I am curating and participating in the exhibition “Art Jewelry Invitational” at Museo Gallery, Langley, WA, that brings 11 jewelry artists to a prominent Northwest gallery showing sculpture, paintings and mixed media. This will be the first art jewelry invitational in the gallery’s history. The show opens on May 4, 2019 and runs through the 28th.
“Tornado Coils,” shown below (detail, left) is one of three pieces inspired by extreme natural events—tornados, a volcano (Mt. St. Helens) and a hurricane. The paper scroll features a poem by Susan Welch. For more information, visit their website at Museo Gallery.
ADDITIONAL NEWS: My book, “Chasing and Repousse: Methods Ancient and Modern” has been published in Chinese by the People’s Republic of China by the China University of Geoscience Press Co., LTD.
Marine Life Evolved: At Facèré Jewelry Art Gallery, March 23–April 13, 2016
(left) Brooch and pendant, copper, enamel, sterling silver, brass, repoussé, fabricated. (right) Brooch, copper, enamel, sterling silver, gold, chased, repoussé, fabricated.
Menorah for Samuel
Sterling silver, copper, gold, fold formed, cast, chased, repoussé
Crossing the Rubicon
Scented oil bottle (with hairpin), sterling silver, gold plate, chased, repoussé
Island Sampler
Brooch, sterling silver, citrine, chased, repoussé
Dark
Brooch, sterling silver, chased, repoussé
My Dollies are The Best
Neckpiece, porcelain dolls, pearls, gold leaf, silver
Ancient and Coral
Brooch, sterling silver, gold, petrified dinosaur bone, chased, repoussé
Regeneration
Brooch, sterling silver, 18kt gold, drusy, pearls, chased
Portfolio
Teaching updated May 2023
Nancy Mēgan Corwin teaches traditional and non-traditional chasing and repoussé classes which include the most common approach such as using pine resin pitch as a base for punching sheet metal up from the back (repoussé) and for chasing (detailing and texturing the front surface); and the non-traditional approach of using dies for repetitive forms and outlines.
Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced class descriptions:
1. Chasing and Repoussé — A Modern Approach with a Traditional Base: A beginning class in which students start out learning to use the tools and equipment, such as the pitch bowl and chasing hammer, for chasing and repoussé, while experimenting with the effects of these tools on sheet copper. The traditional approach of lining the front of the metal and punching out from the back is next. Finally the students learn texturing and refining techniques. Making a tool is included in three-day or longer classes only. Beginning classes are process oriented. Resulting pieces are considered samples. Mēgan brings lots of her own samples, finished pieces, and a selection of tools for students to use during class. Recommended textbook: “Chasing and Repoussé: Techniques Ancient and Modern” by Nancy Mēgan Corwin, published by Brynmorgen Press, which can be purchased through Amazon.com and through many jewelry tools and equipment supply companies.
2. Using Dies for Multiples: In this intermediate class the student uses pre-made dies for forming the metal (useful in making multiples in a series or pairs of earrings, etc.); and dies for simple lining.
3. Chasing and Repoussé in Silver: This is an intermediate/advanced class in which the student works exclusively in silver. Students are excepted to bring design ideas to the first class.
4. Gold Keum-boo on Chased and Repoussé Silver Jewelry: One week course only—learn how to apply 24k gold foil using the keum-boo technique to chased and repoussé irregular surfaces. Follow a step-by-step process of making one or two chased and repousse jewelry items in silver, then apply the gold sheet for contrast. The emphasis is on resolving the technical challenge of applying the gold onto a variety of textures and forms. Students will leave with one or two pieces of jewelry and a basic understanding of how the process works including how to problem-solve in your own studio.
UPCOMING CLASSES:
June 9–11, 2023
Die Forming and Chasing for Multiples and Hollow Forms with Nancy Mēgan Corwin
Danaca Design
www.danacadesign.com
Danaca Design
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Friday–Sunday)
Class Fee: $590 / small materials fee
Class format: in person
Die forming is an exciting and simple way to make three-dimensional multiple forms from sheet metal that can be representational or abstract. In this workshop students will learn to use the hydraulic press and non-toxic PVC hand-hammered dies to create the raised parts.
Then, using pitch (pine resin and non-toxic additives) as a support for the die-formed element, you will add surface textures and shallow relief details through the processes of chasing and repoussé for a design that is entirely unique to you. You will come away with two or more dies and lots of die-formed pieces that you can continue to work on after the class ends.
PREREQUISITES: some familiarity with basic metal techniques, such as annealing and sawing
MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION HERE
Tools
These tools are Mēgan’s exclusive and unique designs and consist of six repoussé punches, three undercutters and one liner. They are made by master tool maker Bill Dawson and available only through his website.
In Seattle you can purchase them through Danaca Design Studios.
Book
Chasing and Repoussé: Methods Ancient and Modern
Virtually every culture with a history of metalsmithing has demonstrated accomplished work in the complementary techniques of chasing and repoussé. From delicate Hellenic earrings to works as massive as the Statue of Liberty, the use of hammers and punches to form and ornament metal remains as vibrant today as it has in its 5,000 year history.
This lavishly illustrated book provides first-time artists with enough information to get started, but also offers advanced workers insights into design and process. Almost 500 photos and drawings guarantee not only clear instruction but bounteous inspiration. Published by Brynmorgen Press
Available on Amazon.com
Whidbey Island Water
Neckpiece, Argentium sterling silver, sterling silver, seashells, beach glass, ammonite, coral, pearls, chased, repoussé
Tender Thorns
Neckpiece, sterling silver, pearls, chased, repoussé