Chasing and Repousse: Ginko leaf
with Fabrizio Acquafresca

Class Description
The technique of chasing and repoussè involves the process of applying sheet metal (brass, copper, gold, argentium silver, or sterling silver) to a board of tar, then forming the metal using a hammer and different shapes and sizes of specialized handmade chasing tools. Fabrizio has always been dedicated and enthusiastic about sharing his skills and knowledge of this process.
Under the careful tutelage of Italian master Fabrizio Acquafresca, learn chasing and repoussé in the Italian style. Through the proper use of various specialized tools, students study and implement the classical Italian approach to transforming sheet metal into reliefs and other works of art. Students will begin with a Ginko leaf relief, but should also come prepared with a jewelry figurative design containing fruit, a floral pattern and (not abstract image) to realize in metal.
Prerequisites
This course has no prerequisites and is open to students of all levels. 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 $50 (Supplied by Instructor)*
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
The technique of chasing and repoussè involves the process of applying sheet metal (brass, copper, gold, argentium silver, or sterling silver) to a board of tar, then forming the metal using a hammer and different shapes and sizes of specialized handmade chasing tools. Fabrizio has always been dedicated and enthusiastic about sharing his skills and knowledge of this process.
Under the careful tutelage of Italian master Fabrizio Acquafresca, learn chasing and repoussé in the Italian style. Through the proper use of various specialized tools, students study and implement the classical Italian approach to transforming sheet metal into reliefs and other works of art. Students will begin with a Ginko leaf relief, but should also come prepared with a jewelry figurative design containing fruit, a floral pattern and (not abstract image) to realize in metal.
Prerequisites
This course has no prerequisites and is open to students of all levels. 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
- 2 pcs, 22ga metal, 20cm x 20cm - copper, fine silver or argentium
- 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 made out to Fabrizio Acquafresca for $50 for Materials Kit
Materials Kit $50 (Supplied by Instructor)*
- Shipping cost for 20 tools (handmade precision chasing tools) for use during class ($50)
- Tar-board (handmade, Florentine recipe) 20cm x 20cm
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