Cassio is a legend here in Monti. He is a very nice, pleasant and fascinating man who has dedicated his life to the art of mosaics.
I met him on a sunny day in his shop full of mosaics, tools and people concentrated on their work.
– How did you discover this passion for mosaics ?
Well, I was born among mosaics, the activity began with my grandfather and then my father was director of the Vatican school of mosaics. I have learned everything from them, then, growing up I began to use new techniques and materials but the base remains in the traditional Roman mosaic art.
– What exactly does your job consist of? Do you create new mosaics, restore old ones or what else?
I do all of that. First of all I have been working, through the years, on many ancient Roman mosaic restorations; among the most important experiences I remember are the restorations of Terme di Caracalla, Terme di Diocleziano, the Pompei excavations and all the mosaics that are now exhibited in Palazzo Massimo.
Beyond this restoration activity, I also create new mosaics based mainly on artists? sketches and on request. I use different techniques and materials from the classic ones to the most innovative
– Did you work only in Italy or also abroad?
I have worked many years in the US and also all over the world for the US Government who committed me the decorations of all the War Cemeteries.
– How did you decide to teach this art to young people?
It came absolutely naturally. I have always wanted to share and pass on my knowledge and passion to other people, so I have always accepted, in my shop, anyone willing to learn this art.
– How are your courses organized?
It?s very easy; if someone wants to start a course he has to come here and we fix a day and time according to our reciprocal engagements. Usually the lesson lasts three hours, and it is very practical in the sense that I assign work to each apprentice, so after 3 or 4 months everyone has the satisfaction to see a work realized. The cost of the lessons is approximately euro150 for each month.
– What advice would you give to someone willing to learn mosaics?
It is not necessarily a particular attitude, just the will to do it. I have seen that everyone at the end of the course is able to create very nice mosaics.
Sitting here, in this particular shop, for sometime and talking with Cassio is a wonderful experience, it?s like entering into a magic world made of beautiful colours and images where everything speaks of passion, experience and love for this art. It doesn?t matter if you are really interested in doing a course or buying something, it?s nice to come here even just for a talk, there is always someone with an interesting story to tell.
Where is Cassio:
Studio Cassio at Via Urbana, 98-98a (near via Cavour)
by Aureliana Iapadre and Roberta Rossetti
The Rome Central editorial staff consists of editors, journalists, photographers, filmmakers, doctors, writers, video-makers, supporters, poets, writers, actors, singers and many friends.
RomeCentral is a Magazine completely no-profit , whoever writes in this magazine does his job without any commercial pressure.
NB: No people in Rome Central, from managers to employees etc .., receive any type of compensation.
The love for the free journalism repays all our efforts.
He was the father of the project i3editorial.com , a publishing system that wants to free publishing from sweaters technologists without “open mind” and that allows you to publish any kind of journal, magazine or publication on the App store to “ cost next to Zero ” with Native App and high technological level.