The Enclyclopedia Britannica online defines repousse as a "method of decorating metals in which parts of the design are raised in relief from the back or the inside of the article by means of hammers and punches; definition and detail can then be added from the front by chasing or engraving. The name repoussé is derived from the French pousser, “to push forward.” Not all of the design is pushed forward or is a "positive" space, some of the spaces are pushed backward as "negative spaces".
The negative spaces provide contrast for the positve spaces making them look impressive and stand out.
So it is in our lives, the negative experiences and low points help make the positve, mountaintop experiences even more exhilarating. Joseph, the eventual Prince of Egypt first spent time in a hole in the ground and then in prison. Ruth was a poor, widowed gleaner of fields until she caught the eye and wedding committment of Boaz, just thinking....
