Introduction to Mosaics: Byzantine Smalti
Workshop Description
This 3-day workshop introduces participants to the theoretical and practical rules of ancient mosaics. Participants will create a beautiful mosaic by learning and applying the techniques of ancient and contemporary mosaic art. The mosaic will be created using the rich, colorful, traditional material called smalti, a Byzantine glass that has been made in Europe for centuries.
Participants will choose an ancient or contemporary design (preselected by the teacher) and several techniques will be demonstrated and applied. All the necessary steps required to create a mosaic will be presented: choice of material, organizing and planning the workstation, cutting techniques and transfer to a permanent base (a technique developed in Montreal).
The art of mosaics is within reach of all those who know how to combine patience, creativity, and dexterity. In order to respect the slow pace of mosaic making, those who have not finished their work at the third session will have access to extra workshop hours.
Objective
- To create a 6,5” x 6,5”mosaic in smalti
Methodology
- Demonstrations, practice, advice, tips and tricks and individual mentoring
- Reference books, images, and tip sheets are made available to the participants so that they may choose a design with which to complete their project
Material and Supplies Included
- Drawings, temporary styrofoam base, adhesive film, glass nippers, tweezers, felt pens, permanent wood base, ruler, smalti, millefiori, tile adhesive
Workshop Outline
Class 1
- Presentation of outline and objectives
- Introduction of materials and supplies used
- Showcase of the mosaic technique developed in Montreal
- How to place the tesserae and the rules of andamenti
- Cutting demonstration and practice with glass nippers
- Design selection
- Preparing the temporary base
- Material selection
- The mosaic project is started
Class 2
- Mosaic project continues
Class 3
- The mosaic project is finalized
- Mosaic transferred to a permanent wood base
Participants can bring their mosaics home once the adhesive is dry (24 hours). Participants who have not completed their mosaic by the third session can attend open workshop hours for free (for the following 30 days) to finish their project.