Taking one of Liza’s silversmithing, jewelry or chasing classes, or attending a lecture on chasing and repousse, is more like an experience. She not only is dedicated to introducing the public to the art of silversmithing, but she also makes the art form very accessible with a hands-on approach. Class attendees, of all skill levels, benefit from her vast knowledge and experience as well as technical guidance so they can continue to independently explore their creative journey with this time-honored craft. Study in a professional working silversmith’s shop.
Due to business changes, instruction with Liza is now offered one on one only, at Nechamkin Silver Studios in beautiful Sussex County, New Jersey, and is available upon request.
Liza has taught both large and small groups, around the country, including:
- The 92nd Street Y – New York, NY
- Appalachian Center for Crafts – Smithville, TN
- The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation – Williamsburg, VA
- Flux Metal Arts – Mentor, OH
- Genevieve Flynn Studio – Kansas City, MO
- Kendall College of Art and Design – Grand Rapids, MI
- The Newark Museum – Newark, NJ
- Peters Valley Craft Center – Layton, NJ
- Rhode Island School of Design – Providence, RI
- Rochester Institute of Technology – Rochester, NY
- Touchstone Center for Crafts – Farmington, PA
Class attendees include everyone from professional silversmiths from Williamsburg, to lawyers, doctors, accountants and retirees from the United States to as far away as Canada, England and Australia.
During private instruction, the student will work side by side with liza to gain a working knowledge of chasing through detailed demonstrations, experimentation and 3 different assignments. This class will equip the student to further explore chasing with confidence and to fluidly express their own aesthetics through chasing. The student will try a variety of antique handmade chasing tools. Functions and limitations of most chasing tools will be covered. Use of snarling irons for repousse of closed hollow forms as well as filling and emptying pitch from a vessel will be discussed. Several techniques will be presented, and important core concepts and methods will be covered. Images of historic and contemporary chasing will be presented for inspiration. The focus of the instruction will be tailored to meet the goals and needs of the individual student.
