My work is inspired by the mosaic artists of antiquity

When I was in college, too many years ago now to admit, my major was a tailored one: humanities.  This catch-all major was a combination of art and literature.  I loved my studies.  In literature I read some fascinating books:

• The Tale of Genji - this was an intriguing novel written by a woman in 11th century Japan
• The comedies of the Greek writer Aristophanes - I had to translate his play, "Frogs" and remember spending hours trying to choose the right word to fit with what I hoped was the author's original intention in the Greek
• Shakespeare...of course, Shakespeare - The text I bought for this course is 4 inches thick and very heavy and I have it still.  It's hard to say which of the works of The Master author is my favorite, but I was fortunate to see a college production of "King Lear" a week after reading the play as assignment.  It was incredible to see it come to life.

My art classes were both "literary" - history - and "hands on."  I took classes in 2- and 3-dimensional design, rendering, life drawing, painting classes and art history.  It was in art history that I fell in love with the mosaic work of ancient artists.  Especially the Byzantine artists.  I found a site that showcases some beautiful examples of Byzantine-era work at the Nea Moni Monastery in Greece: "...one of the most important Byzantine monuments in Greece situated in Chios Island...." The website has some beautiful photos of mosaics that show the intricacy of the style and artistry.  The site also has a page devoted to various techniques...I use the "direct" method...although being a 21st century artist, I have the advantage and luxury of using ready-made glue to affix my tiles to the wooden base.

Although time-consuming, working with tiny tiles gives you - gives me - freedom of movement.  Like the Byzantine artists, I find that these little tiles can flow and do more than larger pieces can.  On the Nea Moni Monastery website, the piece in the collection titled "Curtain," shows an amazing use of color and freedom of movement of the tiles.  It actually gives the illusion of a draped and hanging cloth, with shadow and light playing off of it.

The photo to the right shows the tiles I'm using, the Micro and Nano size as compared to the tips of the tweezers.  I wonder if the ancient artists fashioned tweezers to help them with the small mosaic media they used.  

Have you ever wanted to give mosaics a try but don't want to go to the expense of purchasing supplies you might not ever use again?  Get a feel for it by using either torn bits of colored paper, or, cut colored paper into a desired size squares.  Draw a simple design on paper and glue the paper "tiles" into the design areas.  This will approximate this medium.  In fact, paper mosaics can be art works in and of themselves.