Spring in Ravenna, Italy: City of Mosaics, part 2 - Micro Mosaics

22 May

*Città Amica Delle Donne - City Friendly to Women*

The practice of miniature mosaics originated in 18th century Rome and were created by artists of the time all within a stone’s a throw of the Vatican Mosaic Workshop. Themes were inspired by Italian art and nature. Along with mosaics, this technique became a means of preserving and restoring religious paintings that were deteriorating, as a result of age, or climatic damage.

The minute 2-3mm glass tesserae of a micro mosaic, meant that smaller more portable artworks and jewellery could be created as souvenirs. Popular as travel souvenirs for young gentlemen on The Grand Tour through Europe.

Moby, fishy micro mosaic pendant created during the course and still needs finishing - by Alison Day Designs

Early Monday morning, I set off from the B&B through the streets of Ravenna to the Mosaic Art School, for a 5-day course in Micro Mosaics, (from 09.00 - 16.00). A small class of six, international students, who had travelled to Ravenna to learn how to create micro mosaics.

During the course, historical and practical information was shared by Luciana and Gabriella. We were shown how to prep a bezel with stucco and cut the glass filati to fit. In addition we learnt how to heat and melt smalti with a blow torch and pull filati, or slingers, as they are also known. The fire-creation element was exhilarating and the glass pulling process really satisfying.

Melting the pieces of smalti with a blow torch!

Gabriele showing how to add stucco to a pendant bezel

Cutting the tesserae to the correct length and adding these minute glass pieces to the stucco took some time to master - it was difficult and fiddly, but by our second or third bezel we were all pros!

Fellow mosaicists deep in concentration in the studio, surrounded by coloured filati in trays.

Final day with Mosaic friends and cocktails. Mine was an Aperol Spritz!

I spent a fun and interesting five days with my fellow mosaicists. A lively, chatty group, with no shortage of stories on travel, creative courses and tips.