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ORSONI AND MOSAIC WORKSHOP AGREEMENT HAS MADE ITALIAN SMALTI AVAILABLE TO SOUTHERN AFRICAN ARTISTS 
Maestro Lucio Orsoni and Karin Wainwright in the gardens at the Orsoni Foundry in Venice - 17/06/2009
Last year, I spent 3 weeks in Italy taking in the local culture, learning mosaic from some of the great masters, and putting the final touches on negotiations culminating in an agreement which sees Mosaic Workshop granted the great honour of becoming the official distributor of Orsoni Smalti in Southern Africa. It has long been overdue and finally, we here at the Southern tip of the African continent can also enjoy the magical colours and vibrant liveliness that can only be obtained from smalti. Smalti has for centuries, together with marble, been the only product available to some of the old masters of the mosaic art. And all over ancient Italy, this heritage can be viewed in all its splendid glory. Orsoni Foundry is a family business that has been passed on from generation to generation. It is steeped in history and fine tradition. A tradition that we are now able to share in.
Until the industrial tile, or what is commonly known as river glass or vitreous tile made its appearance, South Africa has been out of the mosaic loop so to speak. In this country, most people have never heard of smalti, and chances are that many of those that have heard of it, has never seen or touched it. Towards the end of last year, we took ownership of our first shipment of Orsoni smalti here in Cape Town. And, as soon as it landed, there was a great buzz and excitement about this new treasure. Needless to say,those who knew, jealously guarded the secret for themselves and the small smalti shipment went very fast.
The good news is that there is a new greater shipment expected in the next few weeks, so, if you are as excited about this as we are and you would like to be kept in the picture, please email your details to info@mosaicworkshop.co.za. In the mean time, you can look in our shop to see what is left and get a taste of what is coming.
LET MOSAIC INSPIRE YOU TO HELP OTHERS
Welcome to Mosaic Workshop, where mosaic is a way of life. We believe that in today's day and age, people need some stress relief and some beauty around them. There is a lot to be said for doing things with your hands. Since the beginning of time, before computers, PSP and television, people gathered to weave, do pottery, and yes, make mosaic. Whole families, from the very young to the very old, spent their every day labouring away at some form of hand work that was passed on from father to son or mother to daughter from further back than most could be remember. But, the secrets of the craft remained as clear as if they were spoken yesterday. It kept families together and also healed communities after wars or natural catastrophe.
At Mosaic Workshop, we believe in the healing power of artistic expression. Our slogan is “UNITY AND PEACE THROUGH ART” because we believe it. People come together when there is a sense of common purpose. When there is a sense that they will benefit and that what they are doing will help their community. That there is an opportunity for them to have a voice. To document history. To teach the children.
The beauty of mosaic is that it does not discriminate against you in any way. You can be young/old, tall/short, boisterous/shy, black/white or have two, one or no legs. Whatever your situation is, mosaic does not mind, it loves you just the same. It won't notice that new wrinkle or grey hair! Ask yourself, if people that have no hands paint with their feet, surely someone in a wheelchair can do mosaic. Mosaic is used in hospitals as a form of therapy for stroke patients. It is used in schools to improve the motor skills of young children. It is used to bring adolescent and often violent youngsters back to experiencing a sense of achievement and pride. To rediscovering who they are through colour, design and free expression.
As with the rest of the world, South Africa is also feeling the impact of the global recession and many people are looking to creative activities as a means to generate some income. This has had the fallout effect of creativity being discovered in people who previously believed themselves to be artistically barren. New ideas and ways of doing things push traditional methods to a whole new level. Mosaic has benefited tremendously from the recent upswing in interest. And, it is coming back into the communities. Look around and you will see the public mosaics and the messages of hope and support that are used by people in this country to reach out to one another. To bring us all together. Unity and peace through Art.
Have a great day and give you time to help a community!!
From the Mosaic Workshop team.
IT HAS ARRIVED
Mosaic Art Now 3 has just been unpacked. We do not have a lot left as they were already sold while we were opening the boxes. There are however a few copies left and if you would like to reserve one, please send me a mail and I will postit your name on it. karin@mosaicworkshop.co.za
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