Encoded IV, 2008 by Rhonda Heisler

A Mosaics Q&A with Rhonda Heisler
We asked New Jersey mosaicist Rhonda Heisler, an officer in the Society of American Mosaic Artists, to comment on current trends in this compelling art form.

Why the fascination with mosaic art?
Mosaics are experiencing a renaissance in the U.S. and abroad. You see evidence in both the quantity and the quality of mosaic art being produced and the degree to which architects and designers are incorporating commercially designed mosaics into homes and public spaces as expressive focal points or sophisticated backgrounds texture. The growth of mosaic fine art is an important aspect of this trend, as contemporary artists are drawn to mosaics by way of its rich traditions, creative possibilities, and technical challenges.

What makes mosaic unique among the art media?
Few media provide such powerful and direct testimony to the process of artistic creation as mosaics. The finished piece is the product of literally thousands of interrelated decisions, the mosaicist selecting from a broad array of exquisitely tactile materials, then cutting, manipulating, or editing each piece (called a tessera, plural form tesserae) and positioning it just so, for maximum visual and expressive impact within the design. The process is very labor-intensive, to be sure. But as the artist will tell you, making a mosaic can be meditative, highly intuitive, and a labor of love.

It’s common for a viewer of mosaic to move in as close as possible to focus on a small area or to admire the intricate patterning and surface detail, then step back to take in the interplay of the various elements and the composition as a whole. It’s this duality of focus, this tension, that makes owning mosaic art an endlessly fascinating process of discovery. Not only that, mosaic art is eminently collectible and well-priced.

Tell us more about the materials and techniques being used in contemporary mosaics.
Today’s mosaicist can select from a variety of luscious materials that, until quite recently, simply were not widely available in this country. In addition to traditional materials like marble and stone, glass (stained, mirrored, and vitreous), and ceramic tile, artists are working in Italian and Mexican smalti (enameled glass with a unique depth of color and surface texture), tempered and fused glass, and found objects. Organic materials and fossils are finding their way into mosaics, along with beads, polymer clay and asphalt, metal, and handmade ceramics.

We see mosaicists mixing conventional and unconventional materials in surprising combinations and new formats. Others are using new industrial materials to depict traditional themes and narratives. Andamento, the placement of tesserae in a flowing pattern to suggest movement and rhythm, is a hallmark of the fine mosaics and can be a signature feature of an individual artist’s style. Mosaicists are working in both two- and three-dimensional formats, from small-scale work to large murals and public art projects. Some are experimenting with bas-relief and trompe l’oeil effects. It’s an exciting medium, ripe with creativity and innovation.

What do mosaics lend to their environment? Why are they a good solution for public art projects?

The work has a strong physicality and an often shimmering presence that simply does not transmit in a photograph but looks great on the wall, where the field of tesserae creates stunning color and textural effects that modulate with the changing light. Mosaic is well-suited to large-format work, durable, and colorful. This makes it a versatile selection for interior or exterior wall-oriented or sculptural work. The mosaicist working on a public art commission often can incorporate materials and themes that give the piece a strong geographic or historical identity. Sometimes such mosaics are community-built, promoting local pride and signaling an investment in the community where the piece is situated.

How do I commission a mosaic?

Most professional mosaicists welcome site-specific commissions, either for portable panels, installation pieces, or sculptures. Mosaics can be custom-designed, customer-colored, and custom-sized to fit client requirements. Many of the best mosaicists are trained in fine arts and welcome the opportunity for hands-on involvement in all phases of the project: design, production, and installation. This is preferable to picking a pattern from a book or asking a painter to provide a color rendering for mosaic fabrication, since only someone who speaks the special language of mosaic can take full advantage of the unique properties of the material.

Most mosaicists charge a design fee that can be applied to a project once a contract is signed. Keep in mind that mosaic production can be slow, so allow ample lead time. Note, however, that a mosaic artist often has a selection of ready-to-hang work that may suit your requirements.

Tell us about SAMA, the Society of American Mosaic Artists.

This non-profit organization, founded in 1999, is at the center of mosaic art activity in the United States. Its members are artists, instructors and scholars, mosaic enthusiasts, and industry partners, all dedicated to educating, inspiring, and promoting excellence in fine mosaic art. Major programs include a yearly conference with an impressive array of workshops and presentations, annual juried (Mosaic Arts International) and non-juried (Mosaic Art Salon) exhibition opportunities, a quarterly newsletter, and a scholarship fund. A visit to the SAMA website, www.americanmosaics.org, is the perfect place to start your exploration of contemporary mosaics. You’ll find a Members’ Gallery and links to member websites, as well as information about conferences, exhibitions, and classes. Catalogs of past exhibitions and other publications are available in the online SAMA store.

Green One, Too by John Bradford

Art consultants work with individuals and corporations, helping them select and place art. This is not a service you’ll need for most purchases, but an art consultant can be a tremendous help with complex projects. Although art consultants are familiar with the work of hundreds of artists – and may know many artists personally – they are engaged by, and represent the interests of, the art buyer. Normally, an art consultant is not affiliated with specific galleries or institutions.

Finding an art consultant in rural areas of the country can be a challenge. The internet can be a great help, of course, and local architects and interior designers may recommend art consultants in your area or with whom they’ve had successful long-distance relationships. In any case, it’s wise to talk with several art consultants to get a feel for the services they can offer and to gauge how comfortable you’ll be working with them. Be sure to make reference calls as well, just as you would when hiring any service professional.

Art consultants are normally compensated through a percentage of the art-acquisition budget.

When to Use an Art Consultant

Art consultants can help with projects of any size and any medium. Their skills and experience are particularly helpful in these circumstances.

• When artwork is integral to the structure of the home, as with custom kitchen tile or a wrought iron balcony railing.
• When coordination is needed between the artist and other professionals, such as architects and engineers.
• When installation is complicated, as with heavy atrium sculpture or custom millwork.
• When art from several sources must coordinate, both functionally and aesthetically.

Gingko Mallet Vase
in Dark Blue
by Richard S. Jones

When visiting an artist’s studio, rules of common courtesy apply. Be sure to call ahead; the artist may have limited visiting hours, especially during crunch times. Once there, don’t overstay your welcome. Enjoy your visit, but recognize that the artists will need to get back to work.

Some communities offer organized tours of artists’ studios on a particular day or weekend each year. These are terrific opportunities to meet artists and learn about the processes they use.

Art fairs are another terrific opportunity to meet artists. Depending on the crowds and the weather (if the fair is outdoors), art fairs can be a lot of fun. They’re also a great way to see the work of many artists at one time. Most art fairs are jurried, so you can expect to see high-quality displays and meet artists who work at a professional level.

Harmony Metal Wall Art by Bernard Collin

Purchasing from a gallery provides the benefit of consultation; you’re tapping into the expertise of the gallery staff and the relative assurance that the work meets high aesthetic and professional standards. The artworks will have been selected by the gallery owner or manager, and will reflect their personal taste. If your own aesthetic is similar, a gallery can be an excellent resource.

Most galleries specialize in specific types of art and are committed to a stable of artists. Much like interior designers or art consultants, galleries act as professional curators; most select 20 to 50 artists to feature from among hundreds seeking representation.

To varying degrees, galleries act as agents for artists and help create a market for their work. If the artwork you see appeals to you, introduce yourself to the gallery owner. Talk about your interests in purchasing art and about the kinds of work you’re attracted to. Be sure to mention your budget – and don’t feel intimidated if you don’t want to spend a great deal of money. Galleries are always looking for new clients, and they’ll be happy to spend time getting to know you.