The work in the photo to the left is my newest piece which I've titled "The Grove Mandala Mosaic." It is 14" in diameter on a flat wood support.
I wanted to explore the idea of a grove of trees. For this one I had three trees, each growing atop a little hill. The tree in the forefront shows how the roots are deep into the earth. The Grove has two sizes of square tiles [1/8" and 1/4" approximate], triangle shapes and ovals. As with my other mandala mosaics, this work is not grouted.
One thing I wish about ceramic tiles is that they would photograph better. It is a challenge to:
*manage light - it reflects all over the place because the surface of each tile is smooth
*manage color - I work in very tiny-sized tesserae so each work has hundreds of tiles and I use many colors...makes it a challenge to capture the color
However, I love my job! As an artist, my art form is mosaic. I work in tiny ceramic tiles made in Morocco and in [glass] smalti. [I also work in digital art, art photography and mixed media. And I still contemplate painting in acrylics again.]
The Grove is being entered into a juried/judged exhibition in my community...I'll let you know what happens! *juried means that works entered into a show/exhibition are not 'automatically' in...rather works are pre-judged as to whether they will be in the exhibit. Then, once all the works have been chosen for the show, those artworks are judged for various prizes in various categories.
Mosaic is a fascinating art form. This spring I'm going to teach a 2-day workshop: "Fine Art Mosaics for Beginners." The promotion material for the workshop says:
Did you know that mosaic is also fine art? Learn how to take a vision and express it in tiny ceramic tiles to produce a fine art, ungrouted mosaic work. No experience necessary.
If you happen to be in the area of the Chico, CA community April 21-22 [and again June 2-3] you might find this workshop fun and interesting. If you'd like information regarding times and workshop fees send me an email at lcsmith.smith8 at gmail.com
Hi Marion! Thanks so much for the kind comments - The photos that you put on your blog of your avocado groves are beautiful. By the way, that chicken soup recipe I tried turned out deliciously.
Posted by: WriterInAHat | 03/25/2012 at 02:38 PM
I love your Grove! Reminds me of our avocado grove...except for the colors, of course. Wish I could come take your workshop too!
"Mimi Avocado"
Posted by: Marion Holtz | 03/23/2012 at 05:34 PM