Vera Belikova

MEET THE MAKER

I deal with handcrafted mosaics, faithfully made with ancient manufacturing techniques. For me the mosaic is an added value at the service of the final result. It is a harmonious dialogue with traditional architectural spaces or a balanced integration into a design object. The mosaic solutions I propose are essential decorations that enhance the movement of the tiles, the color of natural and artificial materials, and the light that reflects on the surface and creates an unrepeatable play of shadows. The creation of a mosaic takes a long time, because each tile must be cut by hand with a hammer and then placed one by one on the final surface. The basis of this way of working are the excellent knowledge of materials, adhesives and various processing techniques, as well as the design skills to create a product that is easy to transport and maneuver, and which has sustainable costs to compete with the high ranges of quality materials. high. Nowadays the mosaic is becoming sadly anachronistic, so in my future projects I would like to collaborate with people who are able to look at the mosaic with new interest. For the same reason my current research is dedicated to innovative executive solutions and heterogeneous techniques and materials.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO TAKE PART OF iATELIER ONLINE PROGRAMME?

After my first experiences of working with mosaic, I came to the idea that the collaboration with highly qualified designers is the key to bringing craftsmanship closer to the world of design and probably also saving it from economic misery and definitive disappearance to favor industrial production. . Furthermore, I believe that the iAtelier Online program can give me the tools and knowledge necessary to deepen my project design and presentation skills.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACKS?

First of all I was happy to know the new technologies as for the moment they are at the center of my personal research. I would like for the future to investigate the ecological sustainability of the projects, because I see in the mosaic a great potential for the recycling of leftovers from marble, stone, ceramic, stoneware and glass processing. Finally, I would be curious to approach the application of mosaic in sectors or elements of production that are new or not typical for the combination of “craftsmanship – industrial production”.

FINAL PROJECT FOR iATELIER ONLINE

Click to view the PDF presentation of MixMatch project

One of the main strengths of the project lies in its replicability: it is in fact conceived through the use of assemblable and reproducible modules. This allows you to reproduce smoothly the whole process of creating the collection for most various contexts, without giving up the uniqueness that they bring characterizes the craftsmanship.

MixMatch is a furnishing system composed of five elements formally connected with it which makes them feel good together. terrazzo texture. The cardinal point of the collection is the sculptural juxtaposition in a covered space with the most dynamic version of the same mosaic texture. Demonstrated in this way, the collection is iconic.

The project is realized with the designer Francesco Pisicchio and Valentina Iannazzone.