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Came across this most interesting 2016 read by Annelisa Stephan. You can check it out here: http://blogs.getty.edu/iris/a-brief-introduction-to-roman-mosaics/
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Ever been asked what might have inspired you to engage in mosaic arts? Me too.
I’ve always been an artist - worked mostly in pen & ink, marker, then digital art, and a few sad stabs at water color, and oils. Never even gave a thought to mosaics. Dogs, animals, and nature have always been my muse. We’ve had pups all of our lives and as anyone knows, it’s “I can’t even explain how bad it hurts” when you lose them. Five years ago, we lost our 2 labs to old age and a call back to Heaven. They were 13 years old. Hoonah & Nitro - a yellow and a black; both great pups we loved to pieces. We’ve always had labradors, and I thought that, well, I’ve always wanted a GSD, so let’s look into it. So I set out to find us a German Shepherd puppy. To research I turned. We’d need to know about temperament, breed characteristics, etc. Well, that’s when I came across the Monks of New Skete. A Monastery in upstate New York (Cambridge) that has been breeding, raising, training and writing about German Shepherd’s for the past 60 some years. A small group of Monks & Nuns that have woven their lives around their faith and their dogs. What else is there about this Monastery & German Shepherd puppies anyways? I present to you, Br. Stavros.
…and that is New Skete.
I could hardly wait. I went to their website and filled out all of the paperwork. I knew I would be at the back of the line (there is a waiting list), but that would be ok. I sent in the application. And waited. Then one day I opened my email; and went crazy. We were asked to come to the Monastery and pick up our German Shepherd puppy. Enter: Inspiration. I need to create something for this most amazing group of Monks and Nuns. I want to give them a gift for making us feel so happy! We get a puppy!!!! St. Francis. Maybe the monastery would like some art; but what medium? A drawing…no not enough — painting? No…..no digital….What? How about a mosaic? Um…I don’t know how…even though it would be so perfect if I could…but, nah….I don’t know how. But I want so much to do something! OK…mosaic it is. I can’t let my inspiration leave…… I’ll try …but if it doesn’t come out …I just won’t send it. Off to Seattle Mosaic Arts. I learned how to mosaic. I made for the Monks, St. Francis & the Wolf of Gubbio. It now hangs in their Monastery. I was so inspired, first by the Monks and then by mosaics. In fact, for the past 5 years, I’ve moved all of my ‘art energy’ into the art of mosaics. Inspiration is everywhere. Find yours.  The art of mosaics can produce exquisite results. Mosaics are as contemporary as they are historical. They are artistic, functional and beautiful.
As well as the subject and style of a design, it is the choice of materials, and the skill in cutting and placing the pieces that contribute to the personal, artistic, emotional, and practical value of a mosaic. Contemporary mosaic art is inspiring and can be easily integrated into architectural spaces and interior design. Mosaics have narrative, soul and story, context and importance. They have, like other art forms, an idea which reflects the emotions behind the art. They can be appreciated for what they are, works of art, or decoded to unlock eloquent messages. We see that mosaics give the artist ample room for expression and are no more confining than the process of applying paint to a canvas. Whereas paint is paint, and clay is clay, mosaic and its materials are almost limitless. Many mosaic artists use the classic selection of stone, glass, smalti, and ceramics but others incorporate foraged and found materials with almost limitless possibilities. Being a very forgiving medium with no rules, allows the artist to base their work on instinct of design, proportion, symmetry, style, and balance other than any formal constraints of art theory. Marvelously unique, mosaics are full of character and open to a world of unique and modern design prospect. Working well with modern decor schemes, especially wall art, mosaics tend to have a rustic impression with a modern twist, contemporary colors, and innovative designs. Last, but not least, mosaic art is important for many reasons when designing harmonic spaces. Not tied to a single criterion, mosaics allow you the flexibility to choose whatever perspective, composition, and treatment that best suites your architectural field. |
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