>Deteriorating Beaded Campanile

>

Here is a quick pic of my latest progress on my beaded St. Mark's Square painting. Using size 15 Japanese seed beads, I outlined all of the displaced windows. I have also begun to bead what I believe will be the future deterioration of the Campanile.

Not only is Piazza San Marco sinking, but the city's monuments suffer from rapid atmospheric deterioration caused by air pollutants. According to several studies, sulphur dioxide in the air is the main cause. Microscopic and microchemical examinations completed in the early 70's showed that sulphuric acid & sodium chloride have penetrated the surface cracks in stonework caused by the formation of calcium sulphate. The crystallization of these salts causes stress which eventually break down the stone.

Semi-beaded St. Mark's Square (Venice, Italy).

Bead embroidery on felt. 12.5" x 18" (32cm x 46cm).

After witnessing this deterioration first hand, I became saddened that this city must endure these problems. But, to me, it also adds to the beauty of the city of Venice as a whole. This fragile city is not only just an outdoor museum, but also an ever-changing work of art in its own right. It is this thought that I hope to convey in my beaded painting.. I think I'll need more seed beads! :o