Venice..."is still left for our beholding in the final period of her decline: a ghost upon the sands of the sea, so weak--so quiet,--so bereft of all but her loveliness, that we might well doubt, as we watched her faint reflection in the mirage of the lagoon, which was the City, and which the Shadow. I would endeavor to trace the lines of this image before it be for ever lost, and to record, as far as I may, the warning which seems to me to be uttered by every one of the fast-gaining waves, that beat, like passing bells, against the STONES OF VENICE." John Ruskin, The Stones of Venice, 1851 A graduate of IUAV, Gloria Deandrea holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture and a master's degree in Theater from the Faculty of Design and Arts. Her path has always been anchored in the profound act of observation, understanding and artistic design. Gloria exhibited her works for years in art galleries in Venice; however, driven by a desire to come into direct contact with the public, Gloria embarked on a new path that led her to establish a craft workshop where her creations could truly come to life.  Thus was born "The Stones of Venice," a tribute to the famous English historian John Ruskin, reflecting Gloria's shared passion for the unique architectural and decorative details of Venetian palaces and cityscapes. For Gloria, Venice pulses through its stones: sculptures, mosaics, floors, walls, each interwoven with layers of the Venetian lagoon's history. Each creation is carefully crafted with meticulous attention to detail. From the initial handmade drawings, Gloria employs a mix of manual techniques and digital tools for their reproduction and finishing. The selection of materials is an art in itself, favoring handcrafted raw materials: from heavy-weight watercolor paper for postcards to cotton or linen canvas for larger representations; from silk twill and chiffon fabrics to cotton muslin; and cartalana for masks. Each element is meticulously designed to create a unique and aesthetically refined artifact that invites viewers to embrace different perspectives on Venice's historical, environmental, and artistic heritage.