Repoussé Artist Nahum Hersom (1918-2011)

“Nahum Hersom in his shop on Innis St. in Boise, Idaho”

Repoussé artist, Nahum Hersom, passed away on April 1, 2011. He would have been 93 on April 15.
“Grandpa” , as he was known to his students, lived in Boise, Idaho. His shop was a converted garage just next to his house on Innis Street.
Repoussé is a form of metalwork which uses sheet metal as a medium, and employs small hammers and stakes to form the material into myriad shapes, giving the once flat sheet incredible volume, and often flowing, sensuous curves.
Nahum made a huge contribution to metalwork by preserving, teaching and promoting this artform. In an age of instant access to almost anything, the art of repoussé stands in contrast, as it requires patience, hours of practice, and deep concentration.
Nahum learned this process from one Valintin “Papa” Goelz, a German metaworker who owned and operated Valintin Goelz Art Metal Works. Nahum often talked affectionately about Papa Goelz. (See the poem Nahum wrote about him at the end of this post.)
Repoussé is about a multitude of tools, and hand-made tools at that, as you cannot buy these tools from the store or catalogue. So Nahum made tools….LOTS of tools, sometimes he would make a hammer or stake for just one minor detail. Below is an image of some of Nahum’s hammers.

Bottom stakes, typically held in a vise, were even more abundant in his shop. Here again, stakes were made for specific forms, and Nahum had hundreds of them. Below is just the tip of the proverbial iceburg.

Here are some more….

And a few more…..

These are his favorites, but he had a multitude more, all gleaming and stored in empty soup cans.
One thing that many may not know about him was this: Nahum was an extremely deep thinker, quite the inventor, and a fine mechanic.
He made a shears, similar in style to one known as a “Beverly”, which is used to cut sheet metal. It is made so that straight, as well as curved lines can be cut easily in the sheet stock. Below is his version of the shears.

He also made his own version of a “Treadle Hammer”, a foot controlled hammer, which is essentially the blacksmith’s third hand. (Below.)

And below is his veining tool, of which had interchangable top and bottom dies.

Below are some horizontal vise stakes, and some of the anvils and top tools for the veining tool. Note that the top tools and anvils are rounded, so the tools can produce curved veins as well.

Nahum attended Lake View High in Chicago, IL. 1933-36, as well as Chico State College in California.
From 1941-1944, he was a welder for Lockhead Aircraft, Burbank, CA, and a Metalsmith 3/C for the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946.
He was also a blacksmith, and did building and repair of machine tools.
A few years ago, Jerry Henderson wrote a book, based on Nahum’s teachings entitled “Nahum Hersom: Repoussé”. The book is something Nahum had talked about since I met him in 1993. It is one of the few books printed on this process. (To acquire a copy, Jerry can be reached at 35493 Millard Rd., Warren, OR 97053.)
Probably one of the biggest highlights of Nahum’s life happened just a few years ago. Nahum was the recipient of the “Idaho Governor’s Award in the Arts”, the first time ever for a blacksmith to win this award. After receiving the award, he said in his fine folksy manner, “I was amazed that I got it with all the people in Idaho who do art and craft work. On the other hand, this is big craft work, not the rinky-dink stuff.” (Quoted from Tim Woodward, in the newspaper, “The West”.)
Nahum demonstrated repoussé at many conferences, and also taught well over 50 students at his “Golden Pheasant Art Metal” shop in Boise.
Below is a piece Nahum made for the 2006 Artist Blackmith Association of North America (ABANA) Conference. It is also the cover of the book on his work. (Unfortunately, it is the only image I have of his actual work. If you have an image of Nahum’s work you could share, I would appreciate it if you would send it to me so I can publish it on this blog.)

In 1993, I had the privilege of studying under Grandpa at the Golden Pheasant. It was 102 dry degrees in the shade, but I was unaware as I learned to use the delicate tools of repoussé.
The lessons were one on one, and Nahum was never at a lack of something to show me as we worked. He was big on archiving, and he supplied me with a constant parade of patterns, articles, and images from his many years of study.
“Did ya ever have one of those, ya know, ‘Ah-ha!’ moments, Dan?” This was typical of the way our conversations went, as he would come up with a thought from way beyond left field.
“Those ‘Ah-ha!’ moments may seem to be coming from out of no-where, but they are actually coming from your sub-conscious mind, Dan. Have ya ever been working, and it just isn’t going well, and you get frustrated? Then you call it quits, and go and do something else? Then, when you least expected it, the answer to your problem just hit you between the eyes? That was your sub-conscious mind working. Ya-know, you can learn to use that sub-conscious mind of yours. Put it to work. Your mind works on problems even when you aren’t aware of it. Then, all of a sudden….”Ah-Ha!” (He smiles, pauses, and waits for me to say something. I say nothing, and keep working.) He then said, “You think I’m nuts, don’t you.”
Nuts like a wiley coyote. He is right, it works, if you learn to employ it. Though at the time, I might have thought he was a bit off. After I returned home, I tried using my sub-conscious, and I was pleasantly surprised, and a bit shocked at how allowing one’s brain to work in such a way is very effective. (You think I’m nuts, don’t you.)
I could go on, however I am sure my personal memories and ramblings about him are not as interesting to you. But I hold them dear.
Nahum literally changed my life. His teaching’s allowed me to venture into an aspect of metalwork seldom used in recent times.
Repousse’ was and is a process that opens new doors for a blacksmith. It can enhance the work of a blacksmith, gracing gates, furniture, lighting, and much, much more. Below is a chandelier I made using the methods Nahum taught me.

I could not have even thought about producing this chandelier, (which is actually a re-production of a piece made by Master Blacksmith, Cyril Colnik), without Nahum’s instruction years prior.
Over the past 18 years, I have incorporated repoussé in several of my own works. I still thrill in watching absolutely flat and lifeless sheet bloom into a flowing, curvaceous piece.
Beyond his teachings in repoussé Nahum’s work ethic and inventiveness also rubbed off on me. He once said that “You’ll never get paid for the hours you put into this style of work. But the personal rewards are plenty.”
Anika Smulovitz, a professor of jewelry and metalworking at Boise State University, was commonly at Nahum’s shop taking lessons from him. “I met Nahum at a gem show and was so impressed that I took a summer workshop from him. Now I take a lesson a week,” said Anika. “His work is amazing, and he’s devoted to teaching…..two people came all the way from Australia to take lessons from him.” (Quoted from the newspaper “The West.”)
And so I continue to ramble on about him. I will stop for now.
What I will do is publish some of Nahum’s teachings and provide some of his drawings from time to time to share his knowledge with you. I am sure he would like that.
That said….
Here is a poem that Nahum wrote about Papa Goelz:
“Divine Journey”
I met a man upon my path
His shop a wonderment to see.
Pieces of repousse’ covered its walls
He peered across his glasses top,
And loud in German accent clear,
He said, “You vant to learn dis vork?”
You don’t know vat you ask.
The vork iss dirty and the pay iss low,
But the art makes vork to last.
You will love the vork with patience,
And a heart that’s strong,
As this work becomes a lover,
It’s passion a life-long song.
“Tools” he said, “you make. You cannot buy.
You will fashion them with love to last a lifetime.”
So as I started, his arm around me came,
“You are now my Sonny Boy,
And I your ‘Papa’, the master of your trade.”
“Why are you so glad to teach me this?”
His answer was clear and true.
“God and the craft pick the man to do the work,
And the chosen one is you.”
He now is gone where craftsmen go,
But sometimes in the night,
When I have hammered hours long,
And something is not right.
I feel his hand on my shoulder,
And hear his voice in my ear,
“Do it this way, Sonny”
And his way is right and clear.
Thank you Papa, for this passion, and its song.
Nahum Hersom (Grandpa) July 31, 1996.
“Thank you Grandpa, for your passion, and for teaching me that song.”
….Dan Nauman
I would like to thank Anika Smulovitz for providing information on Nahum. Anika was also instrumental in helping acquire letters of recommendation for the “Idaho Governor’s Award in the Arts” for Nahum.
“God and the craft pick the man to do the work, and the chosen one is you.” ….Nahum Hersom

Update:  Since writing this post, I have published several posts that are of Nahum’s writings on French repoussé. You may peruse them here. Included with the writings are Nahum’s patterns for hammers, stakes, some leaf forms, and more. – DN

21 comments to “Repoussé Artist Nahum Hersom (1918-2011)”

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  1. Charles Hersom Jr. - April 5, 2011 Reply

    My Grandfather taught me that life is like forged steel. Every blow from the hammer shapes the metal, like every life experience shapes the person you become. Your character is hidden in your soul, like the artwork in every piece of steel. He will be missed, for the fire in his forge has been extinguished.

    • bighornforge - April 6, 2011 Reply

      Thank you Charles, for sharing that with us. Indeed, he will be missed.

    • Connie Rose - September 29, 2019 Reply

      I am hoping that this gets to Charles someday.. this is your cousin Connie. I don’t have any contact info for you or your brothers but I would like to contact you.

  2. Bernie Jestrabek-Hart - April 20, 2011 Reply

    He was a good friend and I truly regret that I was never able to take classes from him.
    He gave the world a lot and through what he taught and what he produced he will continue to touch our lives.
    “Here is to a great artist!”

  3. DrTera Teresa Jean Rich, DC - June 25, 2011 Reply

    Nahum and his wife Melba “adopted” me in the early 1970s when I was only 18 yo. I was this squirrelly, emotionally off-the-wall kid, a young professional dancer and college student who lived next door to them in Chico, CA. They helped me find my way, spiritually speaking, in the world. They always told me I was the daughter they never had. I called them Papa and Mom a lot of the time. They attended my graduations from both undergraduate school and many years later from chiropractic college. They always gave me the heartfelt emotional and spiritual guidance I never received from my blood parents. Nahum was the father of my heart if not by blood. I miss him so much. He touched so many lives!
    My deepest condolences to his sons and their families. Charles, thank you for your lovely words about your grandfather.
    My condolences also to Nahum’s many friends and students.
    May his students continue to pass along Nahum’s legacy, the knowledge and artistry about his work. He spoke frequently about how important it was to him to pass this legacy along so the art and skills of repousse will continue.
    Best regards,
    Teresa Jean Rich, DC “DrTera”
    a.k.a. Tera Vashtillyia

    • bighornforge - July 5, 2011 Reply

      Thank you Teresa for your comments. We are all the better for having known him.

  4. Anika Smulovitz - June 27, 2011 Reply

    Thank you for posting this, Dan.
    I miss my Fridays with “Grandpa” in his shop…

  5. Ted Throckmorton - July 19, 2011 Reply

    Thank You for posting this site!
    I have been trying to get in touch with Grandpa, but with no success, but then I found this tonight.
    When I was training with Grandpa, I dropped something and bent over to pick it up. With a loud authoritive voice Grandpa said “don’t move”!!!!
    All was quiet for a few seconds, then he said “pick up everything you can while you are down there. Don’t waist a good bendover”.
    I loved Grandpa, and he taught me a lot while I was with him.
    I am only 71 years old, but I had to call him grandpa!
    My life was made richer from my time I spent with him, plus the once in a while phone call that I will miss.
    Ted Throckmorton
    Duchesne, Utah

    • bighornforge - July 25, 2011 Reply

      Thanks so much Ted for that anecdote. Those of us who were lucky to have known Grandpa know how his wit will stick with us throughout our lives.
      ….Dan

  6. Charles N. Hersom - July 31, 2011 Reply

    I Charles Nahum Hersom am the New Head of the Hersom family and growing up with my father was the best thing that could ever have happened to me. It seemed like I was always learning something from my father, even when I did not think I was. Yes, he learned metalwork but he was much more he became a Master Metalsmith. From Jewelery to castings, he did it all. Lifes’ lessons were always there as well so myself and brothers would not grow up to be deadbeats of society – when you worked “You worked”, when you played “You played” and TRUTH, HONOR AND RESPONSIBILITY WAS ALWAYS THERE. I love my father and always will for all that he taught me about everything. Nahum’s loving son – Charles.

    • bighornforge - August 2, 2011 Reply

      It makes my heart sing to hear from the children, grandchildren, and many friends of Nahum. It is obvious he made an impact on the many lives he touched.

    • Desiree Hrebtov - February 15, 2017 Reply

      Hello Charles,
      I hope you or someone you know reads this. My name is Desiree Hrebtov and I work as an in home care provider in CA. My clients name is John M. Hersom. I believe he is your brother. I hate to do this over the internet, but I haven’t been able to track down any contact information for you or your other brother as of yet. John has fallen very ill and the outcome doesn’t look good. He was hospitalized on 2/9/2017 and is currently in the ICU with an inoperable mass on his lung. I don’t know what will become of all of John’s belongings but I understand he is in possession of some metalwork your father Nahum made and if things take a turn for the worst I feel these pieces should go to his remaining family if they so want. I’m very sorry for the unfortunate news. You can reach me at dhrebtov@yahoo.com or (707)606-9442 regarding the artwork or John’s current status. Thank you for your time. -Desiree H.

  7. Jocelyn Hersom - November 3, 2014 Reply

    This is his Great-Granddaughters here KC Hersom, and Jocelyn Hersom, and we are so proud to know him. This is 3 years later after his death and we are still thinking about him. Thank you Great-Grandpa, we loved you and miss you red jello at family gatherings and stories that touched our hearts…

  8. Steve Held - March 17, 2015 Reply

    I met Nahum in 2006 at the ABANA conference in Seattle. and, Later that year trained with him at his shop on Innis. I still work on it some, life is full of things that need doing. I will always remember him and his lessons . “Let the hammer do the work.”, and his stories of “Papa” Goelz. It is good to see that all he and “Papa” did and taught is still going on. He was much like my father, who taught me much about work and life. Both He and Hahum, with their simple lessons and their living examples, taught life lessons that a collage education can’t teach. My dad passed in 2012, at 93. They were men of an era and part of a long chain of men teaching the next generation. Let us all be part of that chain. The world needs it.

  9. Merwyn Wright - April 22, 2015 Reply

    Sad that I never met him, it would have been wonderful to learn from such a fine man. Reading of him and looking at the photos of his shop and tooling has inspired me.
    Best of all was the credit to God for what happens in our lives. It gave me a better view of Americans.
    Merwyn Wright
    Van Wyksdorp
    Little Karoo
    South Africa

  10. John Guenther - February 17, 2016 Reply

    I began learning chasing and Repousee processes from Ernie Dorrell of MS. Purchased the book “Nahum Hersom metalwork” from blue moon press several years ago. Recently searched and found this post. I began making the hammers and stakes in the book and continue using chisels and other tools I had already made. Thanks for passing on Nahoms information.

  11. John guenther - March 31, 2016 Reply

    A good write up to accompany the book “Nahum Hersom, Repoussee”. As a smith on this journey of moving metal, I’ve been fortunate to learn chasing and Repoussee processes and continue to make tools and practice using tge skills Ive gained to improve my work. Wish I could have known Nahum.

  12. Debra Karina - November 21, 2017 Reply

    My Mother knew him during the time he lived in Chicago. My Aunt knew him too.
    I can share further info with his children if they care to contact me. I understand he was a wonderful person. My Mom also worked at Lockheed in California at the same time as he.
    If his friends/ family want to contact me, I will write back.

    • bighornforge - November 21, 2017 Reply

      Thank you for that insight, Debra. Perhaps we’ll hear from them.

  13. Connie Rose - September 29, 2019 Reply

    Dan, thank you for all your wonderful words about Nahum. He was my uncle.

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