Impel2 (2009) detail :: 24" x 24" :: glass, 24k gold smalti and grout on MDF
Impel2 places cognitive experience within a social context, exploring how connections, interactions, and impingements contribute to the ongoing change and evolution in how we see ourselves in relation to the world.
Realize2 (2009) detail 24" x 24" glass, 24k smalti, grout, acrylic paint on MDF
Images of Realize2 (above), Emerge5 and Bend7 (see below) are included in Brit Hammer's most recently published book BREAKOUT! Your Pathway to Success.
BREAKOUT! takes up where Brit Hammer’s best-selling book, Mosaic: Finding Your Own Voice, leaves off—the business aspect of visual art. This book serves as a personal guide for artists in developing a successful art business.
Bend7 (2008) detail 18" x 24" glass, 24K smalti, acrylic paint on wood
Emerge5 (2009) glass, grout, acrylic spray paint on MDF
I submitted these three pieces in response to Brit's international open call for art that is informed by mosaic and mosaic techniques but falls outside the traditional mosaic label in exploring new territory. Each piece is featured with a 2-page spread.
Brit's book is a great resource for artists, offering a holistic approach to developing an art practice. There is plenty of specific, concrete information about the business of art. Brit combines this with personal reflection and journaling exercises to encourage a deeper engagement with defining success, finding motivation and following one's passion.
I've been reluctant to blog. There is, at present, a cacophony of voices online. Everyone with a personal spinand perspective competing for everyone else's attention. I've opted out.
But something keeps coming back to me. I am very interested in written language as a tool to extend, organize and clarify thought. Written language allows us to move beyond the present moment to consider the past or anticipate the future, provides a stable, permanent symbolic representation to reflect upon, creates the opportunity for more formal thought in extracting principles from decontextualized ideas, facilitates finding new connections in ideas and information that would otherwise exceed our working memory capacity.
I've always struggled with writing. Somewhere during undergrad, I learned to write in an extremely passive, dense scientific style. I am generally trying to cram my philosophy of everything into each sentence. Writing is arduous enough that my sketchbook/journal is full of written fragments, abbreviated phrases and shorthand. So what happens if I push myself to document what's on my mind in written form using this blog as an external stable memory store. This then is my own personal thought experiment: a test of my belief in the power of external symbolic representations to reflect, extend and expand thought. Here goes.
Emerge is an exploration of the constructive process of consciousness. By means of attending, a coherent conscious moment of being emerges from a fleeting, fluid background of neuronal activity. This moment fades and a new set of sensations come to the fore. These moments of attending take place within contexts--the internal contexts of personal history and perceptions and the external social contexts to which we are so keenly attuned.
Emerge4 (2009) each panel 24" x 24" glass, grout, acrylic spray paint on MDF
Foliage was arbitrarily chosen to create a coherent context. The forms of the shadowed foliage are reduced to their essence by the absence of light. The frame of glass can be read as illumination, parallel to the moment of conscious awareness. Light allows the perception of additional information: color, contrast, depth.
Emerge4 detail (2009) each panel 24" x 24" glass,grout, acrylic spray paint on MDF
Emerge3 (2009) detail 24" x 24" glass,
grout, acrylic spray paint on MDF
Emerge lends support to my claim of the inherent symbolic capital of glass as a conceptual medium. Glass captures and manipulates light, providing a mechanism for incorporating light (reflectance, absorption) as an element in the piece.
Two diptychs from the Emerge series were included in a juried group show in downtown Evanston as part of the Art-Under-Glass program. Different lighting conditions verifies the dynamic nature of the work.
Emerge4 and Emerge5 showing downtown Evanston
Emerge4
and Emerge5 showing downtown Evanston
More images of Emerge series can be seen on Flickr:
Emerge Photo Gallery | Slideshow
Goal. To create bold and modern mosaic elements for this compact farmhouse kitchen backsplash.
A larger ceramic field tile was a great way to create a clean, modern, urban look with minimal grout lines. The client and I both loved this 12.75" x 4.25" rectangle shape in the Dal-Tile Modern Dimensions line. The 'urban putty' color provided us with a sophisticated neutral surround. The color palette needed to integrate the mahogany of the cabinets and pull out the terra cotta, cinnamon and burnt sienna tones from the arandis rose granite countertops. Transparent glass was incorporated to create a sense of fluidity and depth. Blue color accents were used, invoking both sky and lake from the surrounding natural landscape.
Concept. Impel is all about movement and change. Using three mosaic elements gave me a chance to explore this concept in a new way. The two small insets are each essentially 'portraits' of a single element found in the central inset. They appear in relative isolation in the small insets and then in a broader context in the center inset. In the center insets, we see the changes that result from the inherent impingements, interactions and connections in context.
color patterns are developed
Fabrication. All work is done in my studio. For this project, I used the double reverse method to avoid using mesh--which would have shown through the transparent glass. Pieces were individually cut and adhered to sticky shelf liner paper. This was then face-taped for transportation to the project site.
insets ready for installation
Installation. Surround tile was installed by professional tile installer Michael Cozzi, Artistic Tile Concepts. The ceramic surround tile and mosaic insets were adhered to the drywall with thinset.
Michael Cozzi finishing setting the ceramic surround tile
The surround tile was grouted with unsanded oyster gray grout. I grouted the mosaic insets with sanded charcoal gray.
surround tile is taped off while grouting the mosaic insets
Finished Project. Proportions work well in this compact kitchen, adding bold visual elements that are in keeping with the scale of this backsplash. The installation is dynamic dependent on lighting conditions. Bold direct overhead light brings out the intense color and strong contrasts. In low light and from angled perspectives the iridescent glass and 24k gold smalti literally gleams, creating a different visual experience.
Impel splash2
Impel splash2 Photo Gallery | Slideshow
The Impel series was used as the conceptual and aesthetic starting point for transforming this simple farmhouse kitchen backsplash with a bold and modern functional art installation. Mosaic 'windows' in the neutral surround tile offer glimpses of another world. Transparent glass conveys a sense of fluidity and depth while iridescent and 24k gold smalti ensure reflectance in all lighting conditions.
Additional images of the Impel splash2 installation can be seen at Flickr:
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.
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.
marking 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.
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.
Kitchen after completion of Bend splash2
Bend splash2 detail
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.
Impel splash1 7" x 7" inset ready for installation
The mesh is then installed directly into the thinset at installation.
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.
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
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.
Mosaic element only: $1500
Total installed cost: $3300 (includes mosaic element, surrounding tile and installation)
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.
Mosaic element: $6000
Total installed cost: $7500 (includes mosaic element, surrounding tile and installation)
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 (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 (2009) detail 8" x 8" glass, 24k smalti, grout on wood
Impel sketch4 (2009) detail 8" x 8" glass, 24k smalti, grout on wood
Impel splash2 (2010) detail glass, 24k smalti, grout
More images of Impel1 and Impel2 are available here on Flickr:
Impel Photo Gallery | Slideshow
Work from my 2008 Bend Series will be showing at Simply Chicago Art, 1318 Oakton St., Evanston, IL. Art from more than 30 artists is included in this group holiday invitational show. Show runs through December 20, 2009.
Emerge5 detail (2009) 24" x 24" glass, grout and acrylic paint on MDF
An exploration of the constructive process of consciousness. A coherent image emerges from a fleeting, fluid, shifting background of activity. Find more information and images here.
Emerge 4 and 5 are currently showing in a storefront window at 708 Church St. (between Sherman and Orrington) as part of the Art Under Glass program in Evanston, IL. Now through February 2010.
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 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:
In updating this kitchen, the client chose a gorgeous dark turquoise matte 1" x 3" surround tile and specified a greens and blues palette for the mosaic inset. Using one intense focal point was important for this backsplash which has many interruptions and volume changes.
I
mpel Study1 (2009) detail :: glass, 24k gold smalti and grout on wood
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.
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 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.