Valeri Timofeev has passed away from prostate cancer. He emigrated
to the USA after being sponsored by an American enamelist he met at a
conference in Georgia. He brought with him to the states, the Russian
technique of building glowing 3 dimensional objects of filigree
plique au jour enamel.
The first time I met him was at the Philadelphia Craft show where he
had a dazzling display of small drinking vessels. His work grew in
size, complexity and jeweled details and he continued to do shows. He
was a very talented and complex man. a vodka drinking, cigarette
smoking, intelligent, enthusiastic, cranky, generous, secretive,
opinionated, gleefully proud of his accomplishments, full of praise
for work he liked, disdainful of work he didn’t. I never knew which
Valeri to expect. he added spice to the show experience and he will
be missed. I tip my glass to you, Valeri!
Marianne…Valero Timofeev was a master of his technique and a
national treasure. There is a short article with pictures of his
work on Grains of Glass. If I had personally known him I would have
left out any personal habits that he had but unfortunately Americans
are more fascinated about personal details than actual
accomplishments. I’m sure you will find a willing audience at the
next Enamelist Society Conference.
I was lucky enough to take a class on Plique-A-Jour with Valeri at
the Annual Florida Society of Goldsmiths’ Winter Workshop in New
Smyrna Beach Florida. Many years before I had met Valeri in the St
Petersberg Museum in Russia and years before, in the Eastern Bloc of
Germany. He was a highly talented, resourceful, dedicated individual
with an extraordinarily unique background. A leader in Plique-A-Jour
Art.
Valeri’s skills were embraced by many serious students, outstanding
among them, Diane Almeyda, who has continued Valeri’s devotion and
teaching Plique-A-Jour.
So sorry Valeri Timofeev has passed away. He is indeed a national
treasure and his works will live on. I was not fortunate to have
been able to study with him, but have long admired his spectacular
work. He was indeed a genius. Alma
Gee that’s funny Chris - different from me. I am just as interested
in the person, warts and all. When a person is reduced to his or her
accomplisments, that is a pretty one-sided view of a human being in
my humble opinion. This is still a site that helps people learn their
craft - I hope stressing that we are all people first and craftmen
later. And I’m a Canadian.
I agree with Barbara. Valeri was a wonderful enamellist but he was
also a real live person. I enjoyed reading about the human side of
this great artist. Before learning about his personality, he was just
a name. Now I think of the man who created the wonderful art and wish
I had had an opportunity to toss a glass of vodka with him. Alma
I call myself fortunate to have been able to take one of the early
classes when he first arrived here. I haven’t had the opportunity to
explore it furthur. But knowledge is always gold. Thank you, Valeri
and “God Bless.”
There is a time and a place to discuss the personal habits of a
respected national treasures passing but not before the person’s
body is cold. I do hope both you and Marianne both can comprehend my
meaning.
..... He was a very talented and complex man. a vodka drinking,
cigarette smoking, intelligent, enthusiastic, cranky, generous,
secretive, opinionated, gleefully proud of his accomplishments,
full of praise for work he liked, disdainful of work he didn't.
Thank you Marianne for the very accurate, succinct snapshot of
Valeri in your January 30th announcement of his passing.
I was privileged to take his 3D plique-a-jour workshops in Australia
and Canada. I found him to be very funny, giving of his knowledge and
patient while teaching even though he did not suffer fools lightly.
The Australian class suggested design elements for the demo piece he
made in the workshop, which I was able to acquire at the Enamelist
Society Conference in Canada the following year. So I have a tiny
piece of him that I am thrilled to have, with fond memories of him.
I raise my glass to you. Cheers, Prost, Ypa, Valeri! Your time on
earth was so very well spent.