ABOUT

The techniques of yesteryear combine with the art I wish to tell through my creations

Valter Fornasier

Born in 1960 in a small town overlooking the Piave River, since childhood I have been fortunate to become familiar with the tools in my father’s workshop, such as the coal forges and the gas generator.

This experience fueled a passion for craftsmanship that drove me, even at a young age, to devote myself full-time to the workshop. Over time, I learned metalworking techniques and developed skills in forging tools and creating unique artifacts, thus solidifying my career path.

History

THE EARLY YEARS: TRAINING WITH THE MASTERS OF FORGING

Although I did not start my career in the family workshop, I had the opportunity to work with several workshops, where I perfected the art of forging under the guidance of distinguished masters, such as those from the school of Toni Benetton. This experience allowed me to hone my skills and learn innovative techniques.

THE NEW FAMILY BUSINESS AND THE FORGING OF DAMASCUS STEEL

A few years later, I started a new entrepreneurial activity together with my father, continuing to work on the usual artifacts of the factory workshop. My curiosity and unceasing desire to learn guided me toward experimenting with different forging techniques, including welding metals by boiling. This technique found its greatest expression in forging damascus steel, a material historically used in the making of weapons such as knives and swords. After years of experimentation and a few unsuccessful attempts, in 2010 I was able to create the first compacted and workable steel damascus package.

TITANIUM DAMASK AND THE TRANSITION TO THE ART OF JEWELRY MAKING

Encouraged by my successes, I continued to experiment with new alloys and materials, moving from carbon steels to stainless steels and finally to titanium, thus creating titanium damascus. These latest achievements inspired a radical change in the use of my products, leading me to explore the world of jewelry. I began creating pendants, rings, bracelets and, more recently, earrings. This new direction has allowed me to interface with designers and educators in the field of wearable metals, thanks in part to active participation in jewelry groups on Facebook. The collaboration with designers Laura Magro, Francesca Gabrielli and Sonia Curti marked the beginning of a new adventure that is already bearing its first fruits.

The craft and art of forging

Browse the gallery dedicated to metalworking

Comparison and collaboration with the design world

Through social and jewelry groups, I begin an active collaboration with designers Laura Magro, Sonia Curti and Francesca Gabrielli.

A new adventure has officially begun and is already producing its first fruits.

Jewelry production

Unique jewelry produced with stainless steel damascus and titanium damascus.