About

Mosaic is a design or decoration made by securing small tiles of glass, ceramic or stone etc., on to a surface. The word derives from the Greek "Muse" meaning a goddess who inspires an artist.

The earliest extant example of mosaic dates from circa 2500 B.C. in Mestapotamia but it was the Greeks and Romans who codified mosaics and made them such a common site throughout the ancient world.

Following the fall of Rome in the 5th century AD the Byzantine Empire, centered in what is now Istanbul, developed mosaics to dazzling heights. The churches in Ravenna in Northeast Italy in particular are full of stunning examples of the mosaicists art.

The ancient cultures of Meso in South America also developed a mosaic tradition and have evolved a rich heritage that still thrives today.

Throughout history the popularity of mosaics has waxed and waned. The Renaissance saw a great revival, particularly in Italy. During the 18th century highly detailed miniatures were especially prized. The Arts Nouveaux period of the late 19th and early 20th centuries also produced many beautiful examples. Perhaps the most famous application in modern times is the church of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona by Antonio Gaudi (1852 – 1926).

The 1950’s and 1960’s saw a brief popularity and now with the revival of interest in the decorative arts mosaics are enjoying another resurgence.

I use hand-cut vitreous glass tessarae and stained glass, mounting pieces on clear glass (to maximize the color and light properties of stained glass), plywood or directly into cement. However, mosaics can be applied to virtually any surface:

The list is almost endless and I’m happy to discuss specific requirements and commissions.

 

Glossary

Cartoon – a design on paper or cloth or drawn directly onto a surface as a pattern for a mosaic

Emblema (pl Emblemata) – detailed central panel of a mosaic, usually prepared in a workshop and fitted later.

Opus – literally "work". Used in mosaics to refer to the way individual tessarae are laid.

Opus Castellatum – Laying tessarae in regular rows as in a brick wall

Opus Vermiculatum – Laying tessarae to follow the outline of a design.

Tessara (pl tessarae) – a fragment of glass, stone, marble etc. with which a mosaic is made

Vitreous – translucent, as in glass tessarae