A wonderful introduction to smalti for the beginning mosaic student.
Educated in Russia, Master mosaic artist and Instructor Dmitry Grudsky holds a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from Tashkent Art Institute. He has a strong foundation in classical Western European mosaic traditions and has completed many large-scale public art pieces including smalti and other material.
This exciting introductory course will introduce students to the history of this exquisite glass material that has been used since the Byzantine Era and its uses in today's mosaic world.
Class will cover basic design, layout and visual understanding of a smalti piece as well as both ancient and con temporary cutting techniques. Each student will learn how to work with the hammer and hardie to process smalti, as well as gain an understanding of how to use modern tools with this material with as little waste as possible. Students will set smalti directly into a mortar bed for their project and will receive information on how to approach future smalti projects.
Students will use Italian and Mexican smalti to create a 6" x 6" mosaic art piece to take home. Smalti starter pack provided, students may wish to purchase additional smalti at a discount from Mosaic Studio Supply, on site at IMA.
No mosaic experience necessary, this technique is significantly different from more contemporary styles of mosaic setting.
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