Valentin Yotkov seeks to revive the ancient techniques of chasing and repousse on jewelry and hollowware made in silver, copper and gold. Born and trained in Bulgaria in the old-world guild system of silversmithing, Valentin served his apprenticeship under the masters of Europe and learned his skills in the hands-on fashion.
He currently lives and works in the United States where he is recognized by the American Government as being one of the Premier designer Silversmiths, and foremost experts in the art of Chasing and Repoussé. His work has been widely exhibited throughout the world since 1982. The Valentin Yotkov Studio is the only school in the USA specialized in chasing/repousse instruction. Valentin also teaches at other schools in the US and abroad and trains Tiffany jewelers in the art of chasing and repoussé.
Techniques he has mastered include raising, creating shapes by hand from flat sheet metal; chasing, decoration hammered on the outside surface of an object; repoussé, decoration in higher relief, embossed from the back or inside surface, then chased in detail from the front; and engraving, decoration carved on the outside. He is also accomplished in wax modeling, casting, and finishing (polishing and patina). Valentin Yotkov's art has appeared in international exhibitions in Japan, Greece, Russia, Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, India, U.S.A., and China since 1982. In addition, private collections around the world proudly include the creative genius of this Master Silversmith.