Chasing and Repousse Snarling Technique
Creation of a wine goblet with Fabrizio Acquafresca
Date: Monday through Friday, June 24 through 29, 2018 Five days Time: 9 am to 5 pm Cost: $995 BoMA members $1195 for non-members Non-member cost difference will be collected in class Materials kit: $425 Location: Boulder Metalsmithing Association 4919 Broadway St, Unit 15 Boulder, CO 80304 Class Description This is an advanced class for students wishing to continue to develop their skills in chasing and repoussé with Italian Master Fabrizio Acquafresca. Students will have the opportunity to refine their skills and study advanced techniques, including the snarling tool. The snarling tool, is often used for raising designs on hollow pieces which have a small neck opening and the inside of the vessel can not be accessed with regular chasing tools. Students can work on individual projects or learn how to make a cup with chasing and repoussé using the snarling tool. For a history about the use of silver and it's properties, click here. Prerequisites Prior chasing and repoussé experience is required. Students must wear closed-toe shoes. |

About the Instructor
Fabrizio Acquafresca was born in Florence, Tuscany. When he was 13 he started to work in his uncle’s workshop, a famous Florentine silver artisan, Brandimarte. Here, uncle “Brandi,” with love and strength, taught Acquafresca a high quality of silver craftsmanship. Acquafresca learned all of the stages, from fusion to soldering and from polishing to chasing. It was mainly in chasing and repoussé that he expressed his artistic skill at the highest level.
Acquafresca completed a large number of both chased silver, graphic art and painting shows. Most recently he has completed important commissions for the Vatican and the made the grand prize for the winner of the famed Palio di Siena, a horserace in Siena dating back to Medieval times.
Today Acquafresca is considered a Maestro (Master) in the art of chasing. Maestro is the Italian word given to those distinguished by their superior skills and creativity from other craftsman. In addition, the master craftsman is the person who is dedicated to transmit knowledge of the trade, to ensure that the technical know-how of the craftsman is not lost.
Il Maestro Acquafresca is still creating his own work, and continues the collaboration with Brandimarte workshop in Florence. He draws, paints, writes, and shares his knowledge and skills by organizing workshops all around the world.
Students need to bring
Materials Kit Includes ($425)*
Cancellation Policy
Maximum Number of Students
Ten. Students must be over 18 years old and will be required to sign a waiver. Students must wear closed-toe shoes.
Registration Open Soon
Fabrizio Acquafresca was born in Florence, Tuscany. When he was 13 he started to work in his uncle’s workshop, a famous Florentine silver artisan, Brandimarte. Here, uncle “Brandi,” with love and strength, taught Acquafresca a high quality of silver craftsmanship. Acquafresca learned all of the stages, from fusion to soldering and from polishing to chasing. It was mainly in chasing and repoussé that he expressed his artistic skill at the highest level.
Acquafresca completed a large number of both chased silver, graphic art and painting shows. Most recently he has completed important commissions for the Vatican and the made the grand prize for the winner of the famed Palio di Siena, a horserace in Siena dating back to Medieval times.
Today Acquafresca is considered a Maestro (Master) in the art of chasing. Maestro is the Italian word given to those distinguished by their superior skills and creativity from other craftsman. In addition, the master craftsman is the person who is dedicated to transmit knowledge of the trade, to ensure that the technical know-how of the craftsman is not lost.
Il Maestro Acquafresca is still creating his own work, and continues the collaboration with Brandimarte workshop in Florence. He draws, paints, writes, and shares his knowledge and skills by organizing workshops all around the world.
Students need to bring
- Solder - easy and medium
- 1 pen, 1 permanent marker, 1 pencil
- Chasing hammer
- gloves
- scissors
- 1 knife
- 1 pair of pliers
- folder
- carbon paper
- tracing paper
- sketching paper
- tape
- Cash or check for $425 for Materials Kit
Materials Kit Includes ($425)*
- Fine silver spun to form cup (YouTube video on spinning cups: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1KpHdo2yPI)
- Shipping for 20 tools (handmade precision chasing tools) for use during class - $50 (included in materials fee)
- Tar-board (handmade, Florentine recipe) 20 cm x 20 cm
- Tool steel for snarling tool
Cancellation Policy
- You may cancel up to 45 days prior to the start of the class and receive a full refund, less $25 processing.
- Cancellations less than 45 days prior to the start date will not be refunded,
- In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
- Registration is not transferrable. You may not sell your seat to another student.
Maximum Number of Students
Ten. Students must be over 18 years old and will be required to sign a waiver. Students must wear closed-toe shoes.
Registration Open Soon