MICRO MOSAIC WORKSHOP

How to Make a MOSAIC in MINIATURE

Introduction

The Romans distinguished various different kinds of mosaics with different names.

With the name “Opus Vermiculatum” the Romans intended to describe stone or marble floor mosaics with tiny or miniscule tesserae called “vermiculi” (little worms).

With such tiny tesserae, 1 or 2 mm it was therefore possible to copy paintings using stones and using a different medium. Reducing the tesserae to such dimensions you would obtain 5 rows of tesserae in one centimeter of mosaic thus more variations in colour.

The rules of mosaic “vermiculatum” remain the same as the direct method used with larger tesserae: graphic design, lines, “andamento” (direction of the lines), etc…

These precious mosaics were made in a laboratory on an autonomous support system and installed into a floor. These small carpets were called “Emblema” or “Emblemata” and were like precious paintings inserted into a floor with public visibility giving the room a great importance.

Historical facts have demonstrated that since these mosaics were so precious and on a unique support system it was possible for the Romans to remove them from the floor and move them to another one.

Goal of the course
To teach students how to cut and use miniature tesserae, how to make a miniature mosaic.

Requirements
No special skill is required to attend this course. However it might be useful a little experience in mosaic basics. One of most complete classes that covers the main topics of mosaic making, is the Standard Intensive Course.

All classes are taught in English (we speak a little Spanish and French too)

PROGRAMME OF THE MICRO-MOSAIC COURSE

MONDAY
Morning
Students will have an introduction on the technique of “Opus Vermiculatum”, a lesson on cutting and they will choose the subject to reproduce. Since these mosaics require longer working times we provide subjects which are approx 4"x4" (10x10cm)
Afternoon
Cutting and tracing the subject.

TUESDAY
Morning & Afternoon
Working the whole day on the mosaic.

WEDNESDAY
Morning
Continuing work on the mosaic.
Afternoon
Lesson with a demonstration of “Filato” mosaic in smalti glass. Students will see how “Filato” mosaics are made from the fusion and filamenting of the smalti to placing the tesserae.

THURSDAY
Morning
Continue working on the mosaic.
Afternoon
A slide lesson on the history and evolution of “Emblema” mosaics.

FRIDAY
Morning
Finishing the mosaic.
Afternoon
We take the students on a mosaic guided tour.

Luciana on TV program
"Geo&Geo" RAI 3

Luciana Notturni founded the Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, where she teaches the most important techniques of mosaic making and restoration.

Every year there are hundreds of students who come from
all countries to attend her classes in Ravenna

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Questions & comments, email to: info@ mosaicschool.com
Via Negri 14 - 48121 Ravenna - Phone (+39) 3496 014 566 - Fax (+39) 0544 67061
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