Ms. Balkanska’s message to those in atten- dance was: “Let’s support the young and the hardworking. Radenko was abroad, worked, succeeded, and returned to Bulgaria to do something meaningful for his country. He de- serves our deepest respect.” With the Purifier, Radenko hopes to revive and promote the practice of traditional oc- cupations such as woodworking, weaving, leatherworking, metalworking, and pottery. Radenko believes that “making art or practic- ing a traditional craft is a kind of purification, emotionally and spiritually.” The plans for the artisan center draw on Radenko’s experience at furniture making studios in Scotland, a country that places a high value on craftsmanship and where he lived for nearly eight years. Radenko trained with some of Scotland’s best furniture makers and woodworkers, learning about both traditional woodworking techniques and modern trends in the craft, including sustainable sourcing of hardwoods. “Radenko has a very old-fashioned commitment to the job he has to do, which is very rare nowadays,” says Pol Bergius, a leading Scottish furniture maker and a mentor of Radenko’s.
Dozens of friends and supporters from near and far attended The Purifier’s opening on June 23. Bulgaria’s “cosmic” voice Valya Bal- kanska and internationally renowned bagpiper Petar Yanev were guests of honor. Members of the ABF team were also there to mark the completion of a years-old dream by master woodworker and visionary Radenko Velinov, who came back from Scotland to preserve Bulgarian traditions in his native Smilyan.
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