Featured Artisan: Valentin Yotkov Click above thumbnails for larger images   Artist's Statement I have always admired the skills of the ancient masters. My native Bulgaria was the homeland of the legendary Thracian gold and silversmiths, who created their timeless masterpieces some 2500 years ago. Their exquisite works had a great influence on my personal style, and became an inspiration for life. I am attracted to the richness of the ancient forms and designs. Ancient gold and silver pieces are so mysterious, distant and different - they appear to me like today's new concept in metal. Over the course of a decade I studied newly excavated gold and silver treasures, then copied some of the vessels to find what tools and techniques were used by the Thracian masters. That was an exiting spiritual communication with a far-off epoch, and my first introduction to chasing and repoussé. These magnificent techniques, almost lost through the ages, became my favorite form of expression in metal. Not only for the dramatic enhancement they bring to ones work - I believe that as we look into the future, relaying on modern technologies and inventions, we should not let our previous knowledge and experience be forgotten, or even lost. Within each of my works lives the preservation of an old metalwork technique, representing the rich history and culture of my country. And like my ancestors, I hope that these skills and techniques will be preserved and passed on so they can be appreciated by the future generations, as well. Resume Education 1979-1980 Apprentice for Renowned Bulgarian Silversmith Alexander Raiev 1977 Graduated from Specialized Art School, Sofia Bulgaria Recipient of the "Gold Medal" award (Diploma) Professional Experience 1992 to present Professional Silversmith, Instructor in Chasing and Repousse Recent works include: A Trophy, Commissioned and Presented by The Diocese of Armenian Church in America to Senator Robert Dole Recent Workshops in Chasing/Repousse 2000 Tiffany & Co, Parsippany, NJ Tiffany & Co, Valentin Yotkov Studio, NY Brookfield Crafts Center, Brookfield, CT Metalwerx, Woburn, MA 1999 Tiffany & Co, Valentin Yotkov Studio, NY New York University, Conservation Center of Institute of Fine Arts Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester , MA Yavapai College, Prescott, AZ New Mexico Metalsmiths Association, Corrales, NM Maryland Institute, College of Art, Baltimore, MD Long Island Crafts Guild, Garvey's Point, NY Tiffany & Co, Brooklyn, NY 1992 American Craft Museum, New York City Chasing and Repousse Demonstration 1983-1989 President, National Silversmiths Guild, Bulgaria Exhibitions 2000 "St. James" Cathedral-Basilica, New York OXOXO Gallery, Baltimore, MD 1999 Rosenberg Gallery, New York 1994 Artbuilders Gallery, Jersey City 1993 Elsa Mott Ives Gallery, New York 1989 Beijing, China Pittsburgh, PA New Delhi, India Bator, Mongolia 1988 Veneto, Italy 1986 Mexico City, Mexico 1985 Moscow, Russia Volos, Greece 1982 Tokyo, Japan Honors Received in Bulgarian National Exhibitions 1990 First Prize, National Art Show, Sofia, Bulgaria 1989 First prize and a Gold Medal, National Exhibition of the Arts, Bulgaria 1987 Second Prize, National Exhibition of Young Artists, Bulgaria 1985 First Prize, National Art Competition, Sofia, Bulgaria First Prize, National Exhibition of Young Artists 1982 First Prize, National Design Competition 1979 Gold MedalNational Art Competition, Sofia, Bulgaria Works in Private Collections Bulgaria, France, Italy, Greece, England, Belgium, Finland, Norway, Germany, USA, Canada and Japan Professional Affiliations Artisan Member, Society of American Silversmiths Society of North American Goldsmiths National Silversmiths Guild of Bulgaria Valentin Yotkov 232 Woodcliff Blvd. Morganville, NJ 07751 718/852-8640, Back to Home Page