Scagliola (“scal-yo-lah”) is the alchemy-like process of making dazzling faux marble with plaster. Its exact origins are unknown, its early production dates back to the 1500’s. I was able to learn scagliola from a master artist trained in Italy and after a great deal of experimentation, I’ve begun to use the traditionally flat process in new three-dimensional ways. Scagliola has become a natural outgrowth of my artwork as a sort of painting/sculptural hybrid.
By the early 20th century, scagliola had almost become a lost art and its exacting formula are un written, but it is a magnificent and flexible process and I am excited to take part in its rediscovery.
