Dear Bill and Rocio,

Thank you for your response and greetings to all ArtMetal friends.

In recent years I have been integrating the learning of chasing and repousse with visits to some of the most exotic places in Europe. I believe it is important for the artist to be exposed to different cultures and traditions and be enriched with fresh ideas.

This workshop is part of our European series and offers the perfect opportunity to learn chasing and repousse in a beautiful and inspiring environment . The cost is incredibly low and I urge the members of this Forum to take advantage and join us for 5 unforgettable days on the island of Bornholm. Registration deadline is March 30.

For those who are interested, please contact me off list.

Valentin Yotkov

http://www.valentinyotkov.com

Hola,

My friend Rodger LaBrash took the Chasing & Repousse workshop with Valentin in Denmark and he sent me a link to a video the local television station did while they were at the workshop in Bonholm.

It's in Danish language but I think you'll figure out whats going on. 

http://www.tv2regionerne.dk/?id=367473&r=8

~ Rocio Heredia

http://www.RocioHeredia.com

Nice to see Valentine's training is extending out to Europe. He is a very talented metalsmith... as you too are very talented Rocio!

Enrique, thanks for your kind words. Your work is very beautiful.

~ Rocío

Gene, Valentin is in Europe. He will be back by the middle of july. After the workshop in Denmark, Valentin was going to teach in Bulgaria too. Lucky students!
~ Rocío

Depending on price and timing, of course, I may be QUITE interested.

Rick Crawford at Smoky Forge

Gene,
If you can get Valentin to do a workshop in your shop, I would LOVE to come.... as finances allow....let me know!

Paula

Hi Paula,
Is Wanda Odegard still up there in the north woods?
It's been years since I got to a Northern Mn Conference.

Gene Olson
Sculptor
Elk River, MN

Yah, Wanda and Bob are still around...I went to Bemidji State with Wanda..... they still go to Florida for the winter, so really don't see much of them... We are members of the N.M.M..... Out of Kieth Johnson's shop, but sorry to say, we don't make it to the meetings as much as we should.... So, can't say that I've seen either Wanda or Bob this summer... Sorry...
Do you go to the conference in Hastings in September???
Paula
Guthrie, MN

Gene,
Sorry for the delayed reply, I have just returned from a workshop in Italy.

Tendinitis hasn't stopped me. I still travel a lot for teaching so if there is enough interest in a chasing/repousse workshop lets talk about possible dates.

I am finalizing our 2008 European Workshops schedule as well. Dates will be posted on the website soon. Anyone interested in joining please contact me off list. Enjoy some photos from our previous workshops in Europe at http://www.valentinyotkov.com

Cheers,
Valentin

It is great to see you here Valentin. Glad to hear all went well in Europe and that you will be touring next year. Such popularity must be well deserved. You are an inspiration to us all!

I joined the group a little late to participate in the Repousse discussions you and Mary Lee Hoo were having. The process is so rich in tradition and the potential for fresh ideas and design.

Fred

Good to be back with you guys. There is so much happening on this forum, I will try to devote more time to read and post. Another workshop is beginning tomorrow. Can’t wait to retire so I can finally sit in my studio and work.
Valentin

Good to hear from you Valentin. And I must say........I loved seeing the photos of the workshops and travels. Beautiful sites all around. :)
Bill

I loved your instructional video Bill. Thanks for sharing. Is your friend still interested in producing a video on traditional chasing and repousse at my studio?
Valentin

Thanks, Valentin.
glad you liked it. I haven't seen him in quite a while, so I can't say. Sounds like your ready to do something like that...let me see what I can do. :)
bill

Hi Valentin,

I just logged in. Got home from DC late the 15th and have been trying to catch up.

Would love to set up a workshop here.

I'll contact you off site to work out the details.

Gene Olson
Sculptor
Elk River, MN

Thanks for joining our group GRIZZ. It was a pleasure to have you and Jason with us. This little island is truly majestic isn't it, no wonder they call it the Pearl of the Baltic Sea. I can't wait to go back there.
We will arrange for more after class activities next year. I heard there was a horseback riding area just a couple of miles from the school. Hopefully they will have a little pony for me. LOL

Valentin

Valentin,

I video on traditional chasing and repousse is long overdue. It would allow others to understand the process and pique their interest in perhaps trying it. For so many year it was a common method for decorating holloware and other metalwork.

I look forward to hearing more from you and the others here at the forum.

Fred

Fred Zweig
Metalsmith

I agree. I would love to see a video made on this subject. Not a lot of instructional information out there on the subject and there are no classes in my area. And cost and young kids playing every possible sport prohibit me from traveling to a chasing/repousse class. Where do I send my donation for getting the video made? I need some instruction!

Walker

Dear friends,

I fell in love with Italy on my very first trip many years ago. When you see the warm colors of Tuscany, the rolling hills with cypress trees on top, the never-ending vineyards with romantic old villas and farm houses, your eyes fill with tears of happiness, and you long to go back.

I always ask myself why Italy has been the birthplace of some of the world's best painters, sculptors, architects, musicians, singers, and craftsmen? What inspired these people to create the most spectacular pieces of art?

Is it the warm Mediterranean breeze that fills your chest with freshness and energy or their larger than life fascination with harmony and perfection? Maybe it is the most delicious food and the best wines that make your spirit dance and celebrate all that life has to offer. I keep going back looking for answers and I keep falling in love deeper and deeper.

Many of you have shared my love for Italy and have joined me for a workshop. We spend an unforgettable week in Tuscany - learning, exploring, finding inspiration and ideas to incorporate in our work, and have the best of times celebrating art and friendship.

Join me in September 15 -- 22, 2009 for an amazing adventure in Italy. Registration is now open on a first come first served basis. For information and registration contact the Valentin Yotkov Studio at: http://www.valentinyotkov.com/FM.htm or call
718-852 8640.

We will stay at a 16th century farmhouse Villa at a winery in the Chianti region of Tuscany. Surrounded by this breathtaking beauty will make you feel as though there is a slice of heaven here on earth.

The focus of the workshop will be shading and drawing designs for repousse. Creating dimension through shading will enable you to see how that design will appear when executed in metal by repousse or other three dimensional techniques. You will learn how to stylize antique and medieval patterns and adapt them to the taste of your customer.

In the afternoons we will visit beautiful little villages in the area as well as the cities of Siena and Florence. We will also visit a privately owned and operated Silver factory where skillful masters create incredible works utilizing chasing and repousse right in front of our eyes.

Rocio, our webmaster, has uploaded new pictures from this year's workshop. Please
follow the link below to view the pictures.

http://www.valentinyotkov.com/European_Workshops/Italy/

I have also included a comment by our Canadian friend Chris Cook III who attended the workshop in 2008 and wants to join us again in 2009. Enjoy reading it.

Once again I look forward to exploring Italy with you. Wishing you all a beautiful Holiday Season and waiting for your replies.

Valentin

What a trip!!! OMG! Tuscany, Italy is "soul-enriching". I can't imagine it
having gone any better; Great company, incredible sites, masterpieces by
masters, exquisite food, and world class vino.
I am SO grateful Sharon and Valentin for your open hearts and guidance with
my artistic evolution. Being in Italy enriched my soul and set a whole new
standard to live by for me. There are no adequate words to describe being
guided to the legendary Renaissance artworks with Valentin's master
perspective. Gratefully, this trip has forever expanded my horizons. I wish
we could all be so lucky to have such life affirming experiences.

With Deep Love and Respect,
Chris Cook III

Victoria BC, Canada