The Handcrafting Process of Engraving Works
穿越喜马拉雅边境线，我目睹了人生最伟大的雪山盛宴丨4K超清
I. Preparation and Design
Material Selection and Metal Processing
-
Gold carving paintings typically use high-quality metal plates such as copper or silver. These metal plates need to undergo meticulous grinding and cleaning processes to ensure a smooth and flawless surface, providing a solid foundation for the subsequent carving work. For example, copper plates must go through processes like acid washing and polishing before use to remove surface oxide layers and impurities.
-
For some special works, the metal plates will also be subjected to special chemical treatments to enhance their corrosion resistance and luster. For instance, through electroplating technology, a thin layer of gold or silver can be plated on the surface of copper plates, not only improving the aesthetic appeal of the work but also increasing its durability.
Design and Sketching
手工描线
-
Design is a crucial step in the production of gold carving paintings. Artists will first draw detailed sketches on paper based on the theme and creativity. The sketches need to accurately depict the layout of the picture, the shapes of figures or objects, and various details, providing clear guidance for the carving process.
-
During the design process, artists need to fully consider the characteristics of metal carving, such as the use of carving techniques, the thickness and hardness of the metal, etc., to ensure that the designed patterns can be perfectly presented in the actual carving. For example, for complex patterns, different layers and depths may need to be designed to better express the sense of three-dimensionality and light and shadow effects in the carving.
II. Carving
Carving Techniques
Hook Knife Technique
Hook Knife Technique: used for outlining and shaping. By using the hook-like motion of the knife blade, the artist carves along the designed lines to create clear contours. This technique requires the artist to precisely control the force and direction of the knife to ensure smooth and clear lines. The hook knife technique is commonly used for outlining figures, architectural edges, and animal shapes, clearly defining the form and structure of the subject.
Hooking Thread Technique
Hooking Thread Technique: used for detailing textures. By gently etching fine, thread-like lines on the metal surface, the artist creates delicate textures and patterns. This technique requires a gentle touch to avoid damaging the metal surface. The hooking thread technique is commonly used for detailing hair, fur, and plant branches, adding liveliness and realism to the artwork.
Twisting Line Technique
Twisting Line Technique: used to create lines and patterns with a twisting effect, such as vines and curled branches. This technique involves etching continuous, twisted lines on the metal surface to form a vivid visual effect, enhancing the dynamism and three-dimensionality of the artwork. Characterized by smooth and elastic lines, the twisting line technique can depict the twisting and bending states of objects. During the actual process, the artist needs to master the rotation and movement of the knife to ensure the continuity and naturalness of the lines. This technique is often used to represent natural elements and decorative patterns, adding artistic charm to the work.
Dotting Knife Technique
Dotting Knife Technique: used to depict elements that require prominent dot-like features, such as stamens and fruits. This technique involves etching dots of varying sizes on the metal surface to create a rich visual layering and three-dimensionality. Characterized by clear and forceful dot textures, the dotting technique can highlight the texture and details of the subject. During the actual process, the artist needs to precisely control the force and angle of the knife to ensure each dot is even and natural.
Splitting Knife Technique
Splitting Knife Technique:By forcefully splitting the metal, this technique creates wide and deep lines or surfaces, effectively shaping a strong sense of three-dimensionality and layering. Suitable for depicting large-area structures such as rock textures and building facades, it significantly enhances the texture and visual impact of the artwork. When using the splitting knife technique, it is crucial to control the force and direction to ensure each stroke is precise and powerful, achieving the desired artistic effect.
Picking Knife Technique
Picking Knife Technique: used to depict small and protruding dot-like details, such as stamens and dewdrops. By gently lifting the metal surface with the tip of the knife, this technique creates small, three-dimensional dot protrusions, enhancing the richness and realism of the details. This technique requires the artist to have high precision and control to ensure each dot is clear and natural.
Sanding Line technique
Sanding Line technique: used to create texture and a sense of metal surface quality. By etching fine, sand-like granular textures on the metal surface, this technique forms a unique visual effect, enhancing the layering and texture of the artwork. Characterized by delicate and uniform textures, the sanding line technique allows for rich light and shadow variations and the luster of metal. During the actual process, the artist needs to precisely control the force and angle of the knife to ensure the uniformity and naturalness of the texture. The sanding line technique is commonly used for backgrounds, skies, and other parts, making the artwork more rich and three-dimensional.
Sanding Line Technique
sanding dot technique: used to depict details like feathers. By etching fine, dense lines on the metal surface to simulate the texture of feathers, it adds delicacy and realism to the artwork. The orderly arrangement of lines can convey the lightness and layers of feathers.
Chasing Technique
Chasing Technique: It involves using chisels with variously shaped cutting edges, in conjunction with a hammer, to strike and form patterns and textures on the metal surface. Chasing can create lines of varying depths and widths, making it suitable for depicting complex designs and rich layers. This technique demands that the artist possesses exceptional skill and precise control to ensure each strike is accurate, leaving exquisite carving marks on the metal.
Carving Process
-
During the carving process, the artist will outline the general contours of the pattern according to the design sketch using the straight knife technique or the engraving knife technique. Then, according to the characteristics of the pattern and the design requirements, different knife techniques are used for detailed carving. During the carving process, the artist needs to pay constant attention to the use of knife techniques and the control of force to ensure that each knife is accurate. Once a mistake occurs, such as a slip of the knife or a carving error, the entire work may be ruined. Therefore, the carving process requires a high degree of concentration and patience.
III. Post-processing
Post-processing Steps
-
Cleaning and Polishing: After the carving is completed, the work needs to be cleaned and polished. First, remove dust and impurities from the metal surface, then grind the metal surface with fine sandpaper or polishing tools to make the lines smoother and more delicate, and remove excess burrs and imperfections. During the polishing process, special attention should be paid to protecting the carved patterns to avoid damage.
-
Coloring Process
Coloring: For works that require coloring, the metal surface will be colored after polishing. Coloring is usually done by hand painting or special printing processes to make the works more colorful. After coloring, a layer of protective paint will be applied to the surface of the work to prevent metal oxidation and corrosion, and to extend the service life of the work. -
Protection: For works that require coloring, the metal surface will be colored after polishing. Coloring is usually done by hand painting or special printing processes to make the works more colorful. After coloring, a layer of protective paint will be applied to the surface of the work to prevent metal oxidation and corrosion, and to extend the service life of the work.
-
Mounting and Display: Finally, according to the purpose and display requirements of the work, mounting and display are carried out. Mounting can choose traditional picture frames, or modern display methods such as three-dimensional display racks, to make the works more beautiful and generous, and also convenient for collection and display.
