A Thousand Glass Flowers

May 1, 2020
"It was a small bowl, not much bigger than the palm of her hand, which looked like it had a field of flowers forever blooming across its surface." Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Turk puts his research skills, art-history knowledge, and artistic talent to the test in this gleaming, imagined account of the development of 15th-century glass artist Marietta Barovier, believed to be the rediscoverer of millefiori glass. This technique was invented by the Romans and lost until Barovier's time, when it was recalled in the rosetta bead. Poetic yet accessible text sparkles with clarity as it portrays the artistic sensibility and discerning eye of a young girl inspired and encouraged by her renowned father but initially barred from the family's glasswork studio, as such occupation was seen as suitable only for men. Meanwhile, illustrations inspired by works of Renaissance, impressionist, and abstract art show the young Barovier and her light-filled world: the moody radiance surrounding the canals of Venice, the glow of the glassworks studio, the colorful, luminous array of glass beads she is thought to have created. Clearly a labor of love, this ethereal and striking selection incorporates imagination, art, creativity, and women's history in a story that emphasizes dedication, resilience, and innovation. An enchanting tale of a 15th-century artist that emphasizes attributes and skills we need today. (author's notes) (Picture book. 5-9)

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Starred review from June 29, 2020
Byzantine masterworks and period costumes give a sense of luxury to this picture biography by Turk (You Are Home) about Venice’s first female glassblower, Marietta Barovier. Marietta’s father, “a master of glass,” has a workshop on the island of Murano; “Marietta dreamed of creating glass too, but glass was men’s work.” She begs to learn to blow glass, her wide face dominated by huge, wondering eyes, and her father shows her how in front of a blazing furnace. Later, he takes her by gondola to Venice, where they view a precious glass bowl made using a lost, Roman-era technology, and she sees the mosaics of San Marco: “Marietta gaped at the twinkling golden scenes, shimmering with millions of individual pieces.” As an adult running her father’s glassworks with her brothers, she rediscovers the lost technique, making delicate, colorful beads treasured as currency across “the Renaissance world.” A triumphant tale of a girl who defeats tradition, it’s also a visual homage to Venice, which Turk renders with vigorous pastel strokes in glorious hues. An author’s note offers contextualizing information. Ages 4–8. Agent: Brenda Bowen, the Book Group.

Starred review from July 1, 2020
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the story of millefiori, Italian "thousand flower" beads, through the imagined life of Marietta, daughter of real-life Renaissance glass master Angelo Barovier. The fictionalized text describes how young Marietta was trained in her father's Venetian glass workshop, eventually rediscovering the lost art of creating the iconic beads with glowing colors inside. Vibrant illustrations featuring deep, rich hues complement the descriptive text, whether it's comparing the sun to a glowing ball of glass or describing the shimmering tesserae mosaics of San Marco. The watercolor, colored pencil, oil pastel, and gold gouache illustrations also deftly capture Marietta's grit and determination as she stands up to her brothers, overcomes discrimination, and is eventually granted permission by the doge to become one of the first women glassmakers to open her own shop, sending her beads across Europe and Africa and even to the New World. An author's note provides additional information about the history of millefiori and identifies the artworks and artists who inspired the book's illustrations. Audiences are sure to enjoy this unique offering, whether used to support STEAM and art projects, lessons about history and trade, girl power, inventors, or the sheer joy of creativity.WOMEN IN FOCUS: The 19th in the 20th(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2020

Gr 3-7-Rosetta beads can be used to create beautiful pieces of jewelry, but how did they come to be? In this illustrated biography, author/illustrator Turk depicts the life of a lesser-known Venetian innovator. Marietta Barovier was inspired by her father Angelo, a master of glassmaking, to engage in this art form. Historians speculate that she was born in the 15th century; Turk notes that the first documented mention of her was in 1431, in her mother's will. When Angelo died, Barovier's siblings inherited his glassworks. Angelo left his daughter the recipes for colored glass, which motivated Barovier to create her own works. However, the process was not an easy one. At the time, the idea of a woman glassmaker was not only laughable but also culturally unorthodox. While little is known about Barovier's life, this story attempts to fill in the gaps. Turk illuminates her ambition and creativity. Inspired by Renaissance artists, his breathtaking illustrations evoke the stunning art of glassmaking. The narrative flows well, providing context to Barovier's fascination with glassmaking and highlights the difficulties she faced. The author's note describes Turk's researching and writing. He explains that because little is actually known through historical records, some of Barovier's story is based on speculation. VERDICT Turk provides brilliant illustrations in this work about a lesser-known artist who made a tremendous impact. A welcome addition to elementary and middle school nonfiction picture book collections.-Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK

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