Lion of marble. Pietra dura. Art of stone. Florentine mosaic Artwork

I, Firdavs, hailing from Tajikistan, am a master of Pietra Dura, an ancient Florentine technique of stone painting. My journey in this art form commenced in 2007, when I crafted a piece inspired by historical miniatures. Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to creating a masterpiece that graces the tourist attraction of Dushanbe, Kohi Navruz. This endeavor was supported by the government of Tajikistan, resulting in my inclusion in the esteemed list of folk artisans of Tajik culture. My works have also been showcased at exhibitions in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, garnering recognition and accolades.I am in awe of the stones that human hands transform into works of art, a testament to man's mastery over such a challenging material. Since time immemorial, artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello have sought to master stone, imprinting their vision onto this material. This inspires me to create my own works with stone. I enjoy collaborating with other artists and sculptors to produce one-of-a-kind pieces. In my leisure time, I enjoy educating others, sharing stories, and conducting workshops on stone carving. My ultimate goal is to spread awareness about the hidden treasures that lie beneath everyone's feet.