Since the XIVth century, the art of metalworking, born in Dinant, Belgium, has been the noble form of the boilermaker’s trade. In this training, Nathanaël Le Berre, a master metalworker, and Tristan Colafrancesco, a metal artist, combine their expertise to explore the transformation of copper and brass.

By the end of the training, the participant will have assimilated:

• Introduction to traditional metalworking techniques
• Acquisition of essential skills to transform a sheet of metal into a three-dimensional form
• Introduction to finishing techniques and patina
• Learning hammering to decorate the sheet of metal

During an immersive week dedicated to metalwork in the metal workshop at Campus MaNa, participants will have the opportunity to benefit from professional training led by a master metalworker.

This unique experience will open the doors to the fascinating world of artistic transformation of metals into sheets (copper and brass).

Guided by the expertise of Nathanaël Le Berre, they will explore traditional metalworking techniques applied to sculpture, skillfully combining artistic creativity with technical precision.

Through practical sessions, they will acquire essential skills to transform a sheet of metal into a three-dimensional form, creating pieces that are both aesthetic and functional, with varied finishes achieved through the application of patina.

Nathanäel le Berre

At 18, Nathanaël opted for the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Art in Dijon, home of plastic artist Orlan. But with subjects like art history and contemporary art, the curriculum was far too abstract and theoretical for a young man who wanted to jump right in and get his hands dirty. He ended up finding his place at the ENSAAMA/Olivier de Serres school of applied art. Given the choice between mosaics and stained glass, he chose the latter.

While it could have been a perfect choice, considering his religious upbringing, he came to feel the need to shake off that influence. He loved drawing, but he wanted to work with shapes and proportions rather than colours. Everything fell into place when he stumbled upon freehand artisanal metalworking at ENSAAMA. “I was fascinated by the idea of shaping a sheet of metal with hammers, of three-dimension creations. I saw untapped potential in the ingenuity of this traditional craft, the opportunity to express a way of thinking.” He enrolled for an artistic profession diploma (DMA) in metal and graduated in 1999.

Tristan Colafrancesco,

artiste métallier [Saut de retour à la ligne]Tristan COLAFRANCESCO a étudié le métal et obtenu un CAP Métallier chez les Compagnons du Devoir (Maison de Rennes) et dans l’entreprise Metafer (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) de 2011 à 2013. Il obtient ensuite un deuxième certificat en ferronnerie d’art dans la Nièvre en 2014 dans le lycée Montchatelet à Varzy.

Il accomplit son expérience dans diverses entreprises de restauration de Patrimoine, métalleries d’Art, industrielles, et contemporaines [ajouter les dates]. Formé à l’ensemble des procédés de métallerie, il appréhende de manière panoramique des projets de productions de différentes natures.

En 2017 il créé les Ateliers Cola (à Montréal, proche d’Avallon, aux portes du Morvan) et travaille depuis avec différents designers, produisant du mobilier, de l’agencement et des objets sur-mesure.

Tristan Colafrancesco, metal artist

Tristan COLAFRANCESCO studied metal and obtained a CAP Metalworker with the Compagnons du Devoir (Maison de Rennes) and in the company Metafer (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant) from 2011 to 2013. He then obtained a second certificate in artistic ironwork in Nièvre in 2014 in the Montchatelet high school in Varzy.

He gained experience in various heritage restoration, art, industrial and contemporary metalwork companies [add dates]. Trained in all metalwork processes, he takes a panoramic view of production projects of different types.

In 2017 he created Ateliers Cola (in Montreal, near Avallon, at the gates of Morvan) and has since worked with different designers, producing furniture, layouts and tailor-made objects.

• Woodworking workshop equipped with professional machinery, classrooms, a multipurpose room.
• Technical acquisition, including an introduction to tool operation, initiation to their maintenance, and safe use.
• Provision of materials.
• Lectures.
• Pedagogical distribution: 50% practical, 50% theoretical input.
• Active participation and experimentation by participants are encouraged.
• During this workshop, participants will engage in discussions with a researcher and an architect while being guided by a designer and an artisan. They will be trained in the methods of implementing their ideas and projects, as well as staging them in various contexts. This program immerses participants in the heart of the wood workshop at Campus MaNa and offers a unique collaborative experience to envision the uses of the future.

• Individual and group interviews.
• Design dossier to be created (template provided).
• Acquisition of basic carpentry techniques.
• Self-evaluation at the end of the training through a collective presentation.
• Half-day attendance sheet.
• Completion certificate issued by Campus MaNa.