Bartok Art Tile Murals: Designed in Japan, Made in Italy
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Art of the New Millennium: Handmade tile murals from Italy and Japan
A simple background to begin...
The tiles are made from terracotta and glazed with colourful glass. The warm orange-brown terracotta is exposed through the thin lines that separate every colour of enamel. Each tile is handmade and hand painted and the result.... no two pieces are the same.
Pair the above with a Japanese artist by the name of Junko Torrini. She uses her extensive knowledge of calligraphy and Japanese background while respecting the traditions of this ceramic art form.
The outcome? Bartok Art, tile murals, envisioned in Japan, brought to life in Italy, the prodigal child of globalization, art of the new millennium.
Be Dazzled by Bartok Tiles
The Meeting of Earth, Glass and Fire
Each tile has its own brightness and texture. Although the base of the art is tiles, the pieces behave more like glass. The tiles reflect light from its surroundings, making them look brighter or duller depending on the time of day. Spot lights are a clever way to ensure that the piece is always glowing with light and warmth.
The other unique characteristic of Bartok tiles is the texture. The enamel on the tiles swells up like little bubbles and adds a third dimension to the tiles. You won't be able to resist reaching out to feel the curious textures that emerge out of the enamel.
Even though tiles are hard and glass is cold, the hand drawn lines, captivating textures, and reflective characteristics of these murals make them seem soft, and warm, and comforting.
Meet the Artist
Junko Torrini
Junko did not attend art school, but she has a solid background in Japanese calligraphy for which is earned an ikkyu rating (first rank). She uses her vast knowledge of calligraphy, and Japanese heritage to influence her works but still stays true to the Mediterranean art form. Junko seeks to capture the intangible essence of her subjects, the perfume that lingers as people and things travel through space and time. This quest is enriched by the use of the ancient Mediterranean glazing technique of the laggioni, an art form that suspends between the realms of sharp glass and warm earthenware.Junko uses both Italy and Japan for the inspiration of her pieces, and celebrates the rich culture of both countries in her works. The designs for the tile murals are created in Japan but the actual tile making occurs in Tuscany, Italy.
Junko Torrini, was born in Kagawa prefecture, Japan. She currently resides in Kobe, Japan with her husband, an architect from Italy, and their two children. She is the chief designer and manager of "Bartok Design" and "Bartok Art."
Become a Junko's friend on facebook!
Tile Murals by Junko Torrini
Arrivi e Partenze (Arrivals and Departures)
For more information please visit: http://en.bartokart.com/gallery/junko/arrivi_e_partenze.php
The Mysterious Girl in the Blue Dress
Reoccuring Motifs: Part 1
Junko is a story teller, her medium is her art. She materializes characters, and gives them personalities and adventures. The mysterious girl in the blue dress saunters through a Mediterranean paradise. And this is just the beginning.....
Top Left: Enoteca, the girl visits a wine cellar and experiences the lush flavors of local wines.
Top RIght: Al Mercanto Delle Erbe, she stops by a flower market where the fragrant aromas are intoxicating.
Bottom: Passeggiata Lungo Mare, strolling by the sea she contemplates the rhythmic waves that extend beyond the horizon.
Rose Rosa: Pink Rose
Reoccuring Motif: Part 2
They began as small pieces, Rose Rosa 1 [Top Right] and Rose Rosa II [Center Left]. And then motif started to spill everywhere. The top left piece "Together," features the roses in the background, where as "Succo d'Arancia (Orange Juice)," has the roses overflowing from a bush overhead. If you look at the mysterious girl in the blue dress pieces you will also find that the roses follow her in her travels as well!
Junko's simple abstract rendition of the world's most beloved flower pops in and out of her artworks for a perfect familiar touch. visit Junko's gallery on the Bartok Art website and see if you can find any more roses popping out of the blue.
http://en.bartokart.com/gallery/junko/
Bartok Art links
- Bartok Art Website
- Follow news and event information, learn more about Bartok tiles, contact Junko and the others at Bartok Art, and most importantly... Purchase your own Bartok art tiles!
- Bartok Art Fan Page
- Become a fan of Bartok Art on Facebook!
- Friend Junko
- Become a friend of Junko Torrini on Facebook!
- Textures, Colours, Shapes and Dimensions - Bartok Art Tile Murals Made in Italy, Designed in Japan
- Read an account of someone's first encounter with Bartok Art tiles. Learn the many ways you can experience this fascinating art form!
by Bartok
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