Ivy Collection

One of the most prolific and largest variety of plant species, in the world, ivy is an everlasting symbol of beneficent leadership and eternal love. Itis often included in wedding bouquets and with grapes twined the mythic staff of Osiris in ancient Egypt. I ask couples to bring samples of ivy growing in a place of significance to them, and cut “the family pattern.” Often, in a year or two, I end up making baby spoons and rattles “ in the family pattern please”! Travel companions request pieces from leaves they see ivy plants give me on our trips.

 

Ivy plants are carefully studied so that the most representative specimen is selected for pattern making. The leaf is traced. Patterns are cut, scribed on silver or gold, then sculpted by a repoussé process. Though repoussé was practiced by cultures millennia before France was a country, their name stuck. RE as in repeat and Poussé to push with dapping punches and chisels form the pieces first from the back, then detailing from the front: back and forth, then planished to texture and smooth the surface.

 

The thickness of metal is measured in gauge with the smaller # the thicker metal. Diminished diameter forging is a technique where heavier gauges of wire are diminished using hammers, rolling mill, upright sander to create a gradual transition from the original gauge to a much smaller one while maintaining absolutely smooth round wire. This yields a graceful calligraphic look much like branches and stems.