Polish mosaic artist Marta Matyla was still exploring her artistic path when the “Albania is Biodiversity” project came along.
Could you briefly introduce yourself and your work?
My name is Marta Matyla. I was born in Poland and I am a mosaic artist still exploring and searching for the right path in my artistic journey.
How did you begin working with mosaics?
Over the past ten years my life has been divided between Poland, Italy, and Canada. In Canada, I worked for several years in the mosaic field in Montreal, creating many floor mosaics and some artistic wall pieces. During this time I also developed my passion for jewelry-making, creating rings, earrings, and pendants decorated with mosaic elements.
Can you tell us about your training as a mosaic artist?
I graduated from the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Italy in 2022. Living and studying in different parts of Italy while working along the way was a very enriching experience. I specialize in several techniques, including Greco-Roman, Byzantine, and modern mosaic. In mosaic art, there are truly no limits.
You often work together with your twin sister. How does this collaboration shape your work?
My love for art, travel, and discovering new traditions and people is something I have always shared with my twin sister. Our bond is very strong, and we continue this artistic journey together as the Matylas Mosaic team. Follow us here.
What goes into building a mosaic like this, in terms of materials and technique?
The mosaic is created using the traditional reverse technique, where small tesserae are glued piece by piece onto a paper drawing. They are made of colored glass sourced from Italy and come in 200 different color tones to build the animals and background. These pieces are cut by hand using traditional tools such as the martellina (a specialized double-headed hammer) and the tagliolo (a metal cutting base).
How does working on a biodiversity mosaic resonate with you personally?
Nature is a very meaningful part of my life. I love the sound of birds singing, the smell of moss, swimming in the sea, and the breathtaking view of mountains covered in fog. I believe this project is a beautiful educational campaign that can leave a lasting impact for future generations in Albania.
What do you hope people will discover about nature when they see this mosaic?
The idea is to transform knowledge into something people can understand in an easy and creative way. By doing so, we hope to spark interest in these species, highlight the importance of protecting them in their natural habitats, and foster a sense of pride in the biodiversity they represent.
