Former Israeli Army Captain ”Sabra” Rachel Horn brings a Mediterranean influence to thin sheets of copper, which she transforms by hand into repousse.
Horn discovered the technique of beating the underside of the thin metal to create copper relief images almost 40 years ago while teaching art to Israeli children.
While unpacking art materials for the class, she found a roll of copper and two tools. She later learned the technique is often used in hospital rehabilitation programs.
”It`s a soft copper, and if you have limited use with your hands, it forces you to use the small muscles of your fingers,” says Horn, who now lives in Highland Park.
Each piece is created without the use of molds, and special tools are used to apply pressure against the reverse side of the work. Horn then oxidizes the copper with chemicals and polishes the raised images to highlight the picture. The entire piece is then covered with a lacquer to permanently protect the surface from tarnish.
”I like to sculpt and I like to draw,” she says, of the art which combines her two loves.
She adds that her lack of formal training in repousse is a boon to her creativity. ”I think if I would have studied it, there would have always been the little policemen in my head telling me I should do it a certain way. I really am doing it with my emotions.”
Horn`s work, which has been exhibited here at the Spertus Museum of Judaica, ranges from $55 to $2,000. She can be contacted at 708-433-0784.
