Create beautiful mosaics with natural materials. This tutorial teaches how to easily make rustic abstract Mosaics with Slate, stone and glass

This Abstract Glass Mosaic is a handmade mosaic with randomly shaped hand cut glass stones; beauty often lies in chaos.

hanging in local restaurant

Mosaics, I love you. Let me count the ways. You are ancient. The oldest evidence shown in the archaelogical record indicates that mosaics date back to

Retro Colorplay No. 2 – 16″h x 8″w – merribeth Materials – smalti, mosaic golds Retro Colorplay No. 2 was inspired by my love for all things mid-century (forward-think…

Cover Photos: Courtesy of Sonia King To celebrate International Women’s Day on Wednesday 8 March, I come up with a list of 10 of the world’s most inspiring women mosaicists. 10 selected mosaicists from over a 100 nominees, had a great impact on almost every corner of the world, and made it think differently about mosaic art. Nathalie Vin On International Women’s Day, I’m glad to start my list with an incredible artist, who I’m proud to call a friend! I loved the digital photos of her mosaics, but in person, they were just a knockout! Her mosaics are a visual expression of smalti layers within layers that reveal a flare of sentimental beauty that gets thrown off-balance. Nathalie has been the subject of numerous major museum exhibitions in recent years, beginning with her 2002 show at Brighton Artist Gallery In Brighton, Uk, arriving at “Mosaic Odysseys 2016” which embraced her mosaics at the Hellenic Centre in London, Michael Cacoyannis Foundation Centre in Athens, and Mykonos Town Hall in Mykonos Island. Copyrighted Credits to Nathalie Vin Mia Tavonatti Again for similar reasons, Mia, like Nathalie is an incredible mosaic artist. Her swelling mosaics underpinned by a cohesive structure leave us with the impression of an up-welling 3D movement. Mia has crafted an award-winning diverse profession in art. Over the last twenty-five years, she has tackled her artistic vision by a life of adventure, beauty, and faith. Her paintings and glass mosaic artworks are ornamenting many public and private institutional and corporate collections all over the globe. Copyrighted Credits to Mia Tavonnati Julie Sperling Julie Sperling, the most popular mosaicist of 2016, is an award-winning Canadian mosaicist who arouses social as well as cultural awareness in order to alter assessments and knowledge in large-scale issues, such as global warming. Despite worldwide admiration, 2016 was a year of firsts for Julie. Her first SAMA and MAI, as well as her first Juror’s Choice award at the international juried group exhibition at the Women’s Museum of California, and of course being the most popular and one of the best contemporary artists of 2016, according to your votes! Copyrighted Credits to Julie Sperling Sonia King Sonia King is one of those mosaicists that just refused to conform, there were no artists like her around and whilst mosaic enthusiasts were quickly finding their formulas as the popularity of mosaic art increased. Her outstanding mosaic, “Depthfinder” is the first American artwork to enter the permanent collection of contemporary mosaic art at the Museo della Citta di Ravenna. In 2010, she also received an International Prize for Mosaic Art and Architecture in Italy and two Spectrum Awards for the mosaic mural that she created at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Copyrighted Credits to Sonia King Nermine Elmasry Nermine, a humble yet ambitious artist, who manifests the epitome of beauty and miscellaneous textures. Her mosaics combine unique andamento, color and form to depict many interesting organically-inspired abstract compositions! The value of her mosaics was worthy of one of the most prestigious awards within the field of mosaic creation: the Technical Distinction Award 2015. The earthy composition and meticulous craftsmanship had attracted the attention of the jurors, who finally came to the consensus of nominating one of her most popular mosaics “The Storm” as the victor of this award! Copyrighted Credits to Nermine Elmasry Emma Biggs Emma Biggs, a professional mosaicist, lecturer, and author who resides in London, England, and is one of the founders of the renowned Mosaic Workshop, one of the largest mosaic studios in Britain. She recently completed a large public mural “Made in England”, based on the visual culture and ideology of the handmade industry in Stoke-on-Trent, her work has become increasingly concerned with ceramic industry and its social history! Copyrighted Credits to Emma Biggs Yulia Hanansen Yulia Hanansen, another contemporary mosaicist that surpasses all prospects when it comes to the quality and novelty witnessed within her mosaic projects. Having a widespread educational background in art and design, the gifted mosaicist has developed a unique approach to traditional mosaic manufacturing throughout her career, by introducing a practice called the “layered mosaic” technique. This technique gives a multi-dimensional impression, providing an exceptional sentiment of illusion. Copyrighted Credits to Yulia Hanansen Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian Monir Shahroudy, has been recognized as one of the most prominent Iranian artists of our time, as she was the first to achieve an artistic practice to unite geometric patterns and cut-glass mosaic skills from her Iranian heritage with the rhythms of modern Western geometric abstraction. Monir’s work constantly renews itself, as it is always contemporary because she studies what other artists, especially emerging artists, are creating, and she uses these annotations to create the questions and problems that motivate her practice. Copyrighted Credits to Monir Shahroudy Aida Valencia Aida, a mighty, innovating visual artist… In one of her best-known mosaics, she created a deep relation with imagination and magic, perfectly illustrated one tile at a time. Aida Valencia is another beautiful mosaicist who has also been the subject of numerous major museum exhibitions, ever since her first show in 2003 “Illusion in tiny pieces Palma Azul, Tijuana, Baja California”. Copyrighted Credits to Aida Valencia Carol Talkov Last but not least, an artist whose mosaics range from figurative to evocative as her subjects are typically inspired by nature or space. Can you guess who she is? Carol Talkov is an inspiring mosaic artist who has been unveiling her mosaics at several galleries and juried exhibitions. The International Contemporary Mosaic Art Exhibition Invitational in Clauiano which took place in Italy, was one of Carol’s largest to date, spanning around several breathtaking mosaic artworks. Copyrighted Credits to Carol Talkov Who would you most like to meet and wish a Happy International Women’s Day? Let her know in the comment box below! Happy International Women’s Day! We can only wonder what’s next for all of you wonderful mosaicists! If you liked this article, you may also like our previous article exploring The Mosaic Muse Inside La Sagrada Familia.

Rachel Bremner is a Tasmanian mosaic artist working with traditional materials, smalti, marble, stone.

Marble, ceramic tile, tumbled stone, and sea pottery (2014) -- 12.5" x 3"

Ukraine is at the center of world news right now – drawing attention not only to its residents, but also its culture. As we learn more about the country’s history, we’ve grown aware of its deeply rooted traditions and working artists. As we appreciate Ukrainian art, we also appreciate its creators and those who love it. All are in danger at this time, with both ongoing efforts to conserve and protect pieces, as well as online archiving work from groups like SUCHO. There’s a wealth of mosaic artwork in Ukrainian cities – some old, some more modern, but all significant. In addition, contemporary artists are still working with mosaic in a variety of ways. We’ll introduce the history and stories of some significant mosaic artwork, with the hope that you’ll begin your own exploration. Although the war continues, the cultural legacy remains. Early Mosaic Art Although Ukraine hasn’t been the famed location of ancient mosaic artwork, compared to say, Pompeii or London, there are still outstanding examples present. Early Greek colonists in ancient city-state Chersonese Taurica left behind fine examples. In the 4th–2nd century BC, the area was a major presence on the Black Sea trading routes. As such, the Greek influence and wealthy inhabitants created a demand for mosaic artwork. These floor mosaic rugs with peacocks, bathers, and quail are beautiful examples. Image source encyclopediaofukraine.com Image source encyclopediaofukraine.com Image source Wikimedia Commons The ruins of Chersonese Tavria, located in the southwestern part of Crimea, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. St. Sophia Cathedral, Kyiv Image source Reddit St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv is another of the seven world heritage sites in Ukraine. It contains unique mosaics and frescoes from the early 16th century. They’re considered masterpieces. Built during the Golden Age of the 10th – 12th centuries, The Byzantine-style Cathedral was a product of the country’s recent conversion to Catholicism. Wood structures evolved into stone construction, and impressive architectural reaches. Domes soared, and interiors were highly decorative. The Sophia Cathedral influenced much of the future church construction in Ukraine. St. Sophia’s apse mosaic artworks are breathtaking. There are tiles in 18 hues, with 143 tonal variations and 25 colors of gold and silver. They glitter next to the rich fresco wall paintings and display a mastery of shading and detail. This influential stylistic treatment of mosaics provided the model for the religious art in many Kyivan Rus and Ukrainian churches. It’s easy to see why. Image sources Wikimedia Commons Image source encyclopediaofukraine.com Cathedral interior. Mosaic on columns and apsideImage source Wikimedia Commons Soviet-Era Mosaics School buildingImage source sovietmosaicsinukraine.org The Mosaics Workshop at the Kyiv State Art Institute was formed in 1937. Subsequently, hundreds of large-scale mosaic murals were installed throughout Ukraine – all with a Soviet sensibility and messaging. Today, they are regarded as pieces worth preserving. The combination of Soviet modernism and national features of the visual Ukrainian culture defines an important era – although the message of the pieces is reviled. Their style ranges widely – part of the reason for their popularity with conservationists. In this example, we see realism of Vasyl Ovchynnykov’s ‘Mother Nursing Her Child’ as displayed on a wall of the Bogdan and Varvara Khanenko Museum of Arts. Image source sovietmosaicsinukraine.org The colors of this 1970s mosaic artworks are still bright on the main building of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry. The use of bright colors and the figures were heavily influenced by Ukrainian folk art, but the Soviet-era rhetoric was always present – exhorting citizens to strive, excel, and cooperate. Image source sovietmosaicsinukraine.org Many of the large mosaic murals, particularly on the exteriors of buildings, are made from a variety of materials, including ceramic tiles and pieces of sculpted colored cement. Their innate durability was no match for recent reforms, where many were destroyed. After the Revolution of Dignity in 2014, the Ukrainian government approved laws forbidding communist symbols such as state flags, coats of arms, and the iconic sickle and hammer. Image source sovietmosaicsinukraine.org The earliest Soviet-era mosaics still in existence in Ukraine date from the 1930s – two portraits of Lenin and Stalin on a brick water tower in Novhorod-Siverskyi. Image source atlasobsura.com Contemporary Ukrainian Mosaic Artists There’s been a natural progression for Ukrainian mosaic artists. In a country still populated with monumental Soviet murals, they’re sure to provide a heavy influence in today’s mosaic artworks. Anatoliy Gankevich is one such artist. Born in Odessa in 1965, he now creates meticulous paintings that look like a mosaic. Skier – Mosaic painting, Anatoliy GankevichImage source Beauty Will Save The old CCCP-promoting murals are definitely source material for his new works. However, the updated scenes provide an ironic twist to the older styles. Aerobatiks – Mosaic painting, Anatoliy GankevichImage source Beauty Will Save “Altarpiece of Nations”, 2011Image source perezartsplastiques.com Ukrainian artist Oksana Mas works in a variety of media but is perhaps best known for her large mosaic artworks. For many of her pieces, she uses the traditional hand-painted wooden eggs of the Ukrainian folk art pysankas. “Altarpiece of Nations” was part of the main program for the 2011 Venice Biennale. The installation represented fragments of the 15th-century Ghent Altarpiece by the Flemish Van Eyck brothers. It required 3,640,000 eggs and measured 92 by 134 meters. The next phase of her multi-phase project involving mosaic and eggs will be the “Human Race Masterpiece”. Intended for viewing for everyone, even those in space, it will be located in the Nevada desert. It’s projected to use more than 5 million eggs. Image source artfulliving.com Contemporary artist Lyubov Meshakina works with mixed media to create her mosaic wall art – including eggshells. After sterilizing, she paints both sides of the shells to create a palette of colors. They are dried for a week, then broken into the small pieces she works with. The size of the tiny pieces and the precision of the work see Meshakina using surgical tools to place each shell fragment. Image source Beauty Will Save the World Image source artcraftgiftideas A modern version of the gigantic Soviet mosaic pieces seems a fitting close to our piece. “Children” by Konstantin Skrytutskyi covers an entire wall of a Kyiv building. The brightly-colored faces of young children peer out at neighborhood traffic. It’s a frequent stop on walking art tours around the city – which often include the Landscape Alley development. It contains dozens of murals, statues, sculptures, and an Alice in Wonderland playground. Image source Perceptive Travel Just as in many popular public parks around the world, the pieces are covered with mosaic tiles. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of the mosaic sculptures. Image source Perceptive Travel Stay in touch with the latest art news and mosaic-rich destinations around the world by signing up for our newsletter!

This summer I was asked to make a mosaic for a couple's Golden Wedding Anniversary to place on a tree in their woodland garden.

Jaw dropping, mind blowing, amazeballs ... these are just a few of the exclamations expressed by those who have found their way to the Inst...

With over 40 years of experience, Giulio Menossi developed his own great and expressive mosaic process, by creating stories through his mosaic artworks.

A lot of visual artists are making their way as mosaicists, and a lot of art galleries are embracing the art form as an integral part of their shows.

New year is the ideal time to start thinking about how you can redecorate your home or otherwise make improvements meet modern trends. Every year brings many new home decor trends — and 2019 will be no exception. The great news for mosaic art enthusiasts is that many of these interior design trends work perfectly with mosaics. Top Interior Design Trends 2019 Some top home interior trends 2019 will include: Rustic colors and textures Visual interest in flooring Bold tones Tempered glass Traditional and antique throwbacks Greater attention to kitchens “Living coral” Floral patterns Cultural influences Nature themes Handmade decor Boho style Faces and human figures Statement ceilings Geometric patterns Black bathrooms Let’s look at each of these in turn to consider how you can use mosaic decor. Rustic Colors and Textures The concept of bringing the outdoors in will remain a big trend in home design into 2019. A rustic look is created by using earthy tones and interesting textures. You can incorporate such an appearance into your home using a floor or wall mosaic. Visual Interest in Flooring Long gone are the days of plain hardwood flooring. Tiles are back in style, but they are no longer simple. In today’s trends, it’s the more intricate the better. This is just what fans of mosaic rugs want to hear. To find the perfect fit for your home in 2019, look for a design that features an asymmetrical pattern and that uses a variety of materials. The best mosaic art of all are those that have pieces of shiny tesserae mixed in with matte tesserae. Bold Tones If your favorite color is orange, red, or gold, you are in luck. In 2019, home design is about to become bolder than ever. No tone is too intense, no design too daring. This is particularly true when it comes to wall decor. In other words, you can pick any mosaic design that expresses your style and shows off your fearlessness. Consider images and patterns with metallic tesserae to reflect light and draw even more attention to your mosaic. Tempered Glass Another top trend is tempered glass, for its capability to distribute light around a room and for its asymmetry. It is easy to find mosaic art made of glass tesserae — and they are especially effective on walls in places like the bathroom. Traditional and Antique Throwbacks It may sound paradoxical, but nothing says modern better than antique in 2019. This fusion of old and new can take the form of a traditional pattern on a mosaic rug, a reproduction of a famous painting in mosaic art form, or even the depiction of an ancient mythological scene. Greater Attention to Kitchens It is high time you stop thinking about your kitchen as purely functional and start focusing on aesthetic kitchen design. In 2019, kitchens are sleek and elegant with a return to classic style. Give your kitchen a contemporary twist with a sophisticated mosaic art backsplash, either behind the sink or the stove. Mosaics for kitchens tend to be more subdued than those in other areas of the home and neutral tones are always preferable. This doesn’t mean, however, they you can’t opt for a highly-detailed design. “Living Coral” The Pantone Color of the Year for 2019 is “living coral.” This vibrant hue is shocking yet versatile — it works in practically any room of the house. Find a way to incorporate this color into your interior design with a mosaic art that includes the tone. Floral Patterns Floral patterns in fabrics and wallpapers are making a comeback in 2019. Another spin on this: floral wall mosaics. You could cover a single wall to make it the focus of the room. Alternatively, instead of creating an accent wall, you could install a floral mosaic that goes around a corner to partially cover two walls. Cultural Influences Home decor inspired by other cultures has long been popular and it will remain as one of the top trends in 2019. To add a cultural flavor to your home, nothing works better than art deco. With a mosaic, it is easy to transform an entire wall. No single culture will dominate next year; therefore, you should pick a design due to its bright colors and bold ideas instead. Nature Themes When you consider the fact that rustic tones and textures as well as floral patterns are two top interior design trends in 2019, it is unsurprising that nature themes are also popular. Plus, green will still be a favorite color in the coming year. To combine the trends of nature themes and cultural influences, choose a mosaic art that features tropical greenery or pick a scene that is clearly from a different area of the world. Handmade Decor Handmade items have a special touch that is impossible to recreate with a large-scale production. Top-quality mosaics are all handcrafted anyway, but you can go a step further by installing a mosaic art that has a custom design that says something about you or your family. One example of this is a pet portrait for your wall. Boho Style Boho style starting coming back in 2017, but it will be receiving even more attention in 2019. The key to boho is whimsicality, which is easy to achieve with a mosaic. When you embrace this trend, you’ll have the chance to choose a piece that you love and which doesn’t necessarily match the rest of your decor but feels more unexpected and personal. The options are endless — you can pick a tribal design, an abstract pattern, or practically anything else that features bright colors. Faces and Human Figures An unusual trend that will be gaining traction over the coming year is faces and images of human figures. These tend to be found in artwork, textiles, and wall coverings, but you can also take advantage of this trend in the form of a wall mosaic art. Statement Ceilings You now have your floors and walls covered, but what about the ceilings? You probably pay little attention to what is above you, but this expanse of space is just waiting to be made use of. It’s perfect, then, that 2019 is all about statement ceilings. Even a simple mosaic art in two tones can make a huge impact. Geometric Patterns Geometric patterns never go out of style, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re always in fashion. Next year, however, geometric mosaic art will be a trend to watch. Geometric patterns are particularly ideal if you want to include a mosaic in your home but would prefer to avoid taking too much attention away from other decor. Better still, they work just about anywhere: walls, floors, bathrooms, backsplashes — you name it. Black Bathrooms In 2018, black finishes were becoming all the rage. In 2019, the trend continues but more specifically with bathrooms. To avoid the room becoming too dark, install a mosaic art that combines black and other tones to create a chic look. Consider all the above trends when deciding on a mosaic for your home in 2019. As there are a variety of different trends, the most important thing to think about is what will best express your personal style. Top trends are a good place to find home decor ideas, but it is essential that you are happy with the result and that your mosaic says something about who you are.