Evolution Arts runs some of the most creative courses in Brighton and attracts truly talented tutors. Today it is Luisa Cortardo (left) teaching us how to make a papier mache rose.
Luisa comes from Lecce, a small town in the southernmost area of Puglia, is well known for ancient craft of Cartapesta Leccese. An intricate process and one traditionally passed down through generations, the technique of creating beautiful objects with paper was taught to Luisa by some of Lecce’s most renowned artisans.
Today as well as examples of her own work, (above) the room has been carefully set out with pots of specially made glue, neat piles of handmade papers from different countries and even some specially dyed paper that her father had made.
She is a gentle and persuasive tutor who demonstrations each step of the process and soon convinces us will all be going home with at least one beautiful rose.
It takes a calm approach to carefully glue sheets of thick paper together, to make the bud and stem, to gently tear shapes for the petals. This done, we are ready to slowly curl the paper with almost loving care, into our own very individual rose. It is a soothing as well as creative experience. The final result of our efforts below.
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The tutor created a really lovely atmosphere, we gradually got to know each other, shared experiences, drank tea, eat cake, made our roses and all in all had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Luisia had also brought us all a tray to take our roses home on a plastic cover, a little thank you bag with a recipe for the gllue and the magic ingredient. so we can all have another go at home.
Brilliant, Well done Evolution for finding her!
Luisia’ website is http://www.wordsandroses.com/about.html
The source of ‘roses, roses, all the way.’ for anyone intereated!
The poem by Robert Browning called ‘The Pariot’
AN OLD STORY.
It was roses, roses, all the way,
With myrtle mixed in my path like mad:
The house-roofs seemed to heave and sway,
The church-spires flamed, such flags they had,
A year ago on this very day.
The poem in full is on from the Literature Network Forums website.
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