Evgeni Dimov

Engraver

©Evgeni Dimov

The intricacy of engraving

Evgeni looks to the past and present for inspiration
His engraved creations include jewellery boxes to guns
He passes on his passion by organising workshops

Evgeni Dimov felt at home in the field of the fine arts from a young age - his career as an artisan started with drawing and graphics. This led him to specialise in miniature woodcarving and metal engraving. The most important moment in his professional life came in 1992, when he met the renowned Bulgarian craftsman Svetlozar Raychanov. “Аs my master I owe him my first steps in engraving”, says Evgeni. A few years later, he officially turned his hobby into his profession, becoming a member of the engraving workshop group at the largest military establishment in Sopot, Bulgaria. Later on, he opened an independent business handcrafting beautiful knives and guns, engraving from natural materials.

Interview

©Evgeni Dimov

©Evgeni Dimov

How does the town of Sopot impact your work?: Sopot is surrounded by wonderful nature. Within minutes from my home, I can walk in my favourite wood or visit the beautiful waterfall. Back in the Bulgarian Renaissance in the 19th century my town was famous for its literature, but Sopot was also renowned for various crafts, with small workshops and manufacturers.
How did you start your own business as an engraver?: I opened the workshop back in 2001. You can find my workshop, together with those of other masters from Sopot, in an old 19th century house. There besides my daily practise as an engraver, I organise various workshops for children and adults. Once a year I gather engravers from the country and abroad to exchange expertise.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: Some of the techniques that I use are as old as the world. One has to have in mind that I am crafting for people living nowadays with taste formed by contemporary culture. It is precisely this balance between past and present which I seek in my work. Now an engraving master has the chance to work worldwide.
Do you consider your craft in danger?: The craft will outlive us humans. It will undergo different phases - it will flourish and decay, it will evolve and change, but it will last. I’m a believer in the surviving power of crafts, objects as antidotes to the faceless industry products.

Evgeni Dimov is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2012