About Lisa Allegretta
Biography
Thanks to my rich, professional background in fashion and design, I try to present a new vision to the traditional Italian art of mosaic.
In general, I enjoy pushing my work out of its traditional context.
Most people think of mosaic as either an ‘arts and crafts’ hobby with the end result being a picture frame or coffee table. Or they tend to think that mosaic is religiously tinted. These two stereotypes are exactly what I do not do. Instead, I use a mixture of techniques, experiences and materials to achieve the final product. Wild thinking, letting go and amongst all the chaos...finding a sense of rest, peace and tranquility is the common thread in my conceptual pieces. The outcome is a discovery and interpretation of my personal struggles, concerns, dilemmas and challenges.
Mosaic, in general, is an art form that has proven to pass the test of time. As an opponent to ‘throwawayism’, I am proud to use only the finest of materials so that my work can exist in future generations. I buy my glass (smalti) in Venice. This Italian smalti is an opaque glass that can be made in over 10,000 different colours. Smalti is made artisanally, using only natural materials and according to the ancient Italian tradition. The smalti possesses a richness and depth, creating an extraordinary reflection when touched by the light. In addition, I use gold smalti which is a gold-leaf, transparent Italian glass that is produced in 20 different shades or carats. This is determined by the purity of the metal and thickness of the leaf. The reflection that the gold smalti creates is astounding. In addition to this, I often use marble, acrylic, watercolour and other materials in my work. The result presented is a mixed media piece that has an incredible texture and story. I enjoy silently sharing my visiual stories with others.
But what excites me even more are the interpretations I receive from others. It is this feedback that has helped me also to see myself, my work, my stories in a different light. The relationship between my work and others is an amazing fulfilment and a direct energy to keep on sharing.
Most people think of mosaic as either an ‘arts and crafts’ hobby with the end result being a picture frame or coffee table. Or they tend to think that mosaic is religiously tinted. These two stereotypes are exactly what I do not do. Instead, I use a mixture of techniques, experiences and materials to achieve the final product. Wild thinking, letting go and amongst all the chaos...finding a sense of rest, peace and tranquility is the common thread in my conceptual pieces. The outcome is a discovery and interpretation of my personal struggles, concerns, dilemmas and challenges.
Mosaic, in general, is an art form that has proven to pass the test of time. As an opponent to ‘throwawayism’, I am proud to use only the finest of materials so that my work can exist in future generations. I buy my glass (smalti) in Venice. This Italian smalti is an opaque glass that can be made in over 10,000 different colours. Smalti is made artisanally, using only natural materials and according to the ancient Italian tradition. The smalti possesses a richness and depth, creating an extraordinary reflection when touched by the light. In addition, I use gold smalti which is a gold-leaf, transparent Italian glass that is produced in 20 different shades or carats. This is determined by the purity of the metal and thickness of the leaf. The reflection that the gold smalti creates is astounding. In addition to this, I often use marble, acrylic, watercolour and other materials in my work. The result presented is a mixed media piece that has an incredible texture and story. I enjoy silently sharing my visiual stories with others.
But what excites me even more are the interpretations I receive from others. It is this feedback that has helped me also to see myself, my work, my stories in a different light. The relationship between my work and others is an amazing fulfilment and a direct energy to keep on sharing.
