In the summer of 2016 I had the life changing opportunity to study mosaic at the reknown Orsoni Mosaic Tile factory nestled in the Cannaregio section of Venice Italy. The factory was founded in 1888 and has been creating some of the most beautiful glass tile in the world. As I cut tiles using the ancient hammer and hardie technique I immersed myself fully in the beauty and ancestry of mosaic tile artistry, allowing me to consider my roots and the influences that have shaped me. 
 
The mosaic Peonies & Figs is a labor of love bringing together both sides of my ancestry. My mother's side of the family loved peonies. My grandmother Irene Wezel lovingly tended two, sweet, pale pink peony bushes beside her stoop in Morris Park of the Bronx. My family and I would visit the Botanical Gardens as well, to take in the splendor of the fragrant peony blossoms. On a recent visit to the Botanical Gardens with my niece Carolyn we sat amongst the peonies with a set of watercolors sharing our love of our favorite flower. I have warm memories of visiting my Uncle Charlie in the Bronx as well, where he shared the fruits of his prized fig tree, that he wrapped with warm blankets in the winter, to protect from the elements. 
 
While Peonies & Figs is a priceless work that I could never part with I look forward to sharing it's essence through 12 x 18 in. archival giclee prints, evoking the beauty of family and artistry.  
 
-- Warmly, 
    Amy Salerno