Bend splash2 project

in

  When I first spoke with this client on the phone, she explained that her kitchen was dark and that her elderly mother had trouble seeing in the space.

I didn't fully understand the extent of the issue until I saw it in person.  Having the same gloss granite on the countertop as on the backsplash made this kitchen a literal blackhole.  No amount of lighting would improve this workspace.  In addition to being impossibly dark, the kitchen was aesthetically out-of-sync with the rest of the main floor in this lovely waterfront townhome which has plenty of natural light, neutral wall coloring and interesting color accents.

The client chose 'Bend' as the starting point for the project.  She selected a neutral matte glass tile in 1" x 6" to coordinate with the wall color in the rest of the main floor space. Three circular mosaic insets were designed to "refract" the lines of mosaic glass and at the same time serve as floating visual markers along the long wall the backsplash.

 

IMG_4527 inset being fabricated on mesh in my studio

Final design work and individual patterns were created for the mosaic insets.  All cutting was done in my studio.  Each inset was fabricated piece-by-piece and adhered to a light-weight fiberglass mesh.  As in all my 'Bend' series work, threaded lines of 24k gold smalti are incorporated to define the forms and ensure the composition remains dynamic.  24k gold smalti is straight from the Orsoni factory in Venice, Italy.  This is the material you've seen on the unbelievably ornate mosaic ceilings of the Italian cathedrals.  And it has been used there for a very important reason:  it catches and reflects light like no other material on earth. This unparalleled reflective material has become an important part of my ongoing quest to create mosaic compositions that remain dynamic--changing with lighting condition or viewpoint.  It works so well in a backsplash which is at times brightly lit from under-cabinet lighting, and at other times, may have no direct light at which point the gold smalti catches whatever ambient light is there and truly gleams.

The circles for the insets were also cut out of the surround tile in my studio--here's where you want precision measurements.

IMG_4627marking the cuts in the surround tile for the mosaic insets

I worked with professional tile installer, Michael Cozzi.   For installation of glass over an existing granite backsplash, Michael roughed the surface and applied a thin layer of thinset in advance of installation.  Grouting was done on 2 separate days. The surround tile was grouted with a matching neutral grout.  I grouted the mosaic insets on another day with a dark charcoal grout, enhancing the strong contrasts within the piece.

 

IMG_4839 mosaic insets and line taped off and ready for grouting

At the time of the installation, the client agreed to extend the straight lines of mosaic glass around the other 2 walls of the kitchen.  This added another day to the project but made for a truly spectacular installation that integrated the entire kitchen.

IMG_4849Kitchen after completion of Bend splash2

 

 

 

IMG_4878 Bend splash2 detail

Impel splash1 project

in

In updating this kitchen, the client chose a gorgeous dark turquoise matte 1" x 3" glass surround tile and specified a palette of greens and blues for the mosaic inset. There are several interruptions and volume changes in this backsplash, so I wanted to develop one intricate, compelling visual focal point with hand-cut mosaic glass.

As I began sketching for this project, the 'Impel' series concept emerged:  the basic impulse to move forward and the consequent changes and evolution in form and contour from interactions, connections and impingements.  This idea of constant change both of ourselves and those around us has become important to me.  Specifically I have been considering the dynamic within a family and the constant change and movement that is inherent to that unit.

After developing the drawing and a pattern, cutting was done in my studio.  Each piece in the mosaic inset is cut individually and adhered to a fiberglass mesh.

IMG_4475_2 Impel splash1 7" x 7" inset ready for installation

 

The mesh is then installed directly into the thinset at installation.

 

IMG_4643_2 Impel splash1 mosaic inset and surround tile is affixed to the drywall with thinset

 

Grouting is the final step in the process and it is always so gratifying to see the whole project come together.

 

Final kitchen 16x10 Impel splash1 2009

 

Their kitchen has a completely refreshed and modern, urban feel to it with the custom functional art installation providing visual interest in a space where they'll spend a ton of time.

 

 

 

Pricing Guide for Custom Mosaic Backsplash

in

Pricing Guide

The two main variables in pricing an installation are the amount andthe complexity of hand-cut mosaic glasswork in the design. Consider the following project options, each with varying amounts of mosaic glasswork.  These are not actual compositions, just a rough idea of possible scale and price points.  We can find the right proportions for your space and budget.

The price points below are estimates based on a hypothetical 10sf kitchen backsplash.  These are strictly hypothetical projects. We can work to create a fabulous element that fits your unique space and budget.

Mosaic element cost includes design, materials and fabrication of hand-cut mosaic elements.  If you are not working with a designer, I can assist you with the entire project. Total installed cost includes entire project design, mosaic element, surround tile and installation.

Accent. Enliven an everyday area with a precision cut sparkling mosaic inset. 

Accent 2x1

Mosaic element only:    $1500                                                       

Total installed cost:       $3300 (includes mosaic element, surrounding tile and installation)


Highlight.  Provide a compelling focal point with a vibrant functional art element.

Highlight

Mosaic element:        $3500

Total installed cost:    $5000 (includes mosaic element, surrounding tile and installation)


Feature.  Define the entire room with an sensational full-scale installation.

Feature

Mosaic element:      $6000

Total installed cost:  $7500 (includes mosaic element, surrounding tile and installation)

Impel series

in
Impel2 detail1
Impel2 (2009) detail

Impel explores our relentless drive to move forward: to see, explore, communicate.  Our experience results in connections, interactions and impingements that contribute to constant change and evolution in how we see ourselves in relation to the world.

The reality of constant change, particularly within a family unit, has become increasingly salient to me. The constant 'bumping' against one another inevitably leads to change. The broader social context introduces another source of variation, shifting and responding to local interactions and also moving and directing activity. Impel attempts to capture the constant movement of a social landscape.

 

Impel2 full

Impel2 (2009) 24" x 24" glass, 24k smalti, grout on MDF

 

 

 

I completed several small-scale pieces to explore the concept and forms in glass.  Working with sheet glass gave me significantly more flexibility in cutting the envisioned forms.  24k gold smalti introduces pinpoints of intense color and reflectance which assist in maintaining a dynamic composition.

Impel sketch1 detail Impel sketch1 (2009) detail 8" x 8" glass, 24k smalti, grout on wood

Impel sketch4 detail

Impel sketch4 (2009) detail 8" x 8" glass, 24k smalti, grout on wood

Impel splash2 detail

Impel splash2  (2010) detail  glass, 24k smalti, grout

 

More images of Impel1 and Impel2 are available here on Flickr:

 

 

 

Impel Photo Gallery | Slideshow

Flex

in

Flex detail Flex explores the ways in which individuals and communities interact and evolve over time.  My work mixes different materials, forms and textures in a way that parallels the diversity of city neighborhoods. Patterns reflect my vision of how, as time flows, we all experience convergence and divergence:  connections are formed, evolve and lead to new connections and influences.  Grout serves as an element, completing patterns in negative space. These pieces provide glimpses of the larger patterns from which they are taken.

Flex Photo Gallery | Slideshow

 

 

Bend splash2

in

Bend splash 2 v2 Bend splash2 transforms a black granite backsplash into a functional and aesthetically compelling element, integrated into the open floor plan main living area in this contemporary waterfront townhome.  Using a neutral matte glass tile both lightens the workspace and provides contrast with the polished black countertop. Circular mosaic insets refract the line of mosaic glass that wraps around the kitchen and are floating visual markers along the length of the backsplash.

Additional images of Bend splash1 installation can be seen on Flickr:

Bend splash 1 Photo Gallery | Slideshow

Flex splash 1

in

Flexinstall1

These clients wanted a visual focal point in their newly renovated kitchen and were drawn to the curves and ribbon-like forms in the 'Flex' series. They chose a color palette that echoed the golds, neutrals and muted yellows in their granite countertop. A large window created ideal lighting conditions with natural light flooding the backsplash.  A white gold 'trace' threads through the inset, providing the narrative line integrating the discrete elements of glass and grout.

Flex splash 1 Photo Gallery |  Slideshow

Flex

in

Flex2 Flex 09 (2008) detail vitreous glass and grout on wood

 

Small format pieces exploring form and movement with glass and grout. Grout serves as an element, completing patterns in negative space. These pieces provide glimpses of the larger patterns from which they are taken.

Flex Photo Gallery | Slideshow

New work at the Unicorn coffeehouse in Evanston

in

New work is hanging at the Unicorn for the month of February. New ungrouted mixed media pieces consider the significance of 'noticing' as an organizing force in mental life. These moments of noticing take place within contexts—the internal contexts of personal history and world knowledge, and the external or social contexts to which we are so keenly attuned.  Fragments of vitreous glass combine to form a lens that focuses, refracts or illuminates the flow of experience, perhaps prompting a viewer to notice.

Bend series

in

Bend is inspired by the dynamic and gorgeous patterns formed by light refracted through wavy glass. Colors weave together in seamless patterns. A tiny change in perspective by the viewer leads to an entirely new andsurprising pattern.

Bend7 8x10 v2
Bend7 (2008) 18" x 24" glass, 24k smalti, acrylic paint on wood

From another angle, Bend explores how we shape our own story: the constructive nature of autobiographical memory. Out of everyday, ordinary life experience, we are perpetually constructing our narratives--incorporating new experiences, omitting some details and remembering other, and shifting emphases to create a cohesive, compelling pattern. Our individual narratives evolve across time, rippling into those of others.

Bend7 detail 16x10 Bend7 (2008) detail 18" x 24" glass, 24k smalti, acrylic paint on wood

From a technical perspective, micro-changes at the level of individual cut pieces had the potential to be amplified and ultimately direct the course of the overall pattern. This is consistent with the assertion that everyday discourse and interactions shape and direct our story.  

Bend2 detail 16x10 Bend2 (2008) detail 18" x 24" glass, 24k smalti, acrylic paint on wood

Bend4 detail2 16x10 Bend4 (2008) detail 18" x 24" glass, 24k smalti, acrylic paint on wood
 

More images of Bend can be seen at Flickr:

Bend Photo Gallery | Slideshow

Uncommon Ground restaurant installation

in

Ug_bthrm1_detail19crop A new mosaic installation is now complete at Uncommon Ground restaurant in Edgewater.

Uncommon Ground's owners invited me to design "uncommon bathrooms" for their second location recently opened at 1401 Devon (at Glenwood).

The central concept for the mosaic installation is Uncommon Ground as a gathering place where ideas are exchanged and evolve.  Abstracted botanical imagery makes reference to the rooftop garden which will provide organic herbs and vegetables of the restaurant.

In the 1st bathroom, working above the existing white tile, I developed a band of sparkling mosaic in lush greens with insets of vintage china and and a floral motif in oranges and blues that gain enough momentum to escape the border. For the 2nd small bathroom, I translated the same concepts into a vertical floor-to-ceiling mosaic element surrounded by an entire wall of gorgeous apple green surround tile.  A fragmented artist statement is incorporated into a meander of mirror in both bathrooms.

By collaborating with painter Erica Jane Huntzinger, thematic and color concepts from the mosaic elements are carried through in the gorgeous oil paintings on the doors.

Recall Series

in

IMG_0113

Photo Gallery | Slideshow

Episodic memory, or recall of personally relevant events or experiences, is central to our sense of who we are. Helping adults access those memories and express their narratives was my work in my earlier career in healthcare as a speech-language pathologist. Now, in the Recall series, my passion for cognition and communication as central to our humanity is connected with my work in mosaics.