From Russia, With Love

We are very taken by Emma Biggs' blog. On a daily basis, the UK mosaic artist and author captures what's going on in that brilliant brain of hers as she explores concepts and ponders possibilities. The "voice" she uses to share these thoughts with readers is entertaining, informative and thought-provoking all at the same time. It is also so straightforward and open (even if you can hear the British accent in your head) that she sort of sounds like your new BFF.

This past week, Emma has focused her posts on Russian artists and mosaics, bringing to our attention images and masters we hadn't heard of before.

On December 6th, Emma started off with Alexander Neineka (1899 - 1969), whom she calls "amazingly good." That's Deinaka's "Parachute" to the left which is installed in a Moscow Metro station or "Peoples' Palace". The work is surprisingly lyrical for that of a "Hero of Socialist Labour."

On December 7th, Emma introduced us to the Church of the "Saviour on the Blood" in St. Petersburg. "It is decorated with marble, with semi-precious stones, and of most interest to the mosaicist, it has — at 7,050 square metres — what may be the largest mosaic cycle in the world." The photos are gorgeous. The mosaics somewhat gruesome -- with good reason, trust us.

On December 8th, Emma first sentence reads, "Of how many mosaicists could you say this: that they have a crater on the moon named after them, a medium-sized crater on Mars, an underwater ocean ridge in the Arctic, an entire city on the Gulf of Finland (where Stravinsky was born) and that Russia's largest university bears their name — because they founded it?"

The answer to that run-on question would be "One" and that "One" would be Mikal Lomonsov (1711 - 1765) whose mosaic work includes this gorgeous piece below.

Did we mention he made his own glass? Definitely a hard act to follow.

Today, Emma may have trumped Lomonsov with contemporary mosaicist Zurab Tsereteli. Says Emma, "It is hard to sum up his achievements. He has many awards. He has been honoured with the title ‘Philanthropist’ by the foundation ‘Philanthropists of the Century’. He is married to a Princess who claims to be descended from a Byzantine Emperor. He is both President of the Russian Academy of Arts, and Director of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art." Then there's that museum named after him. The list goes on.

Tsereteli works big. Very BIG as the photos in Emma's post attest.

Amazing.

We love it when somebody else does our homework for us. Thanks Emma! Her blog again is http://www.mosaic-blog.com We've made it a "favorite."

Enjoy -- Nancie

Calling All Mosaic Artists, Educators and Suppliers!

It is The LAST WEEK to Reserve Your Advertising Space in Mosaic Art NOW 2010

Space Reservation Deadline: December 16, 2009
(Artwork & Copy Due: January 11, 2010)

We've worked hard in the past year to expand MAN's presence within in the mosaic community and in the larger art world. We recently ran some analytics and can now say that between the magazine, the website, the blog and the Facebook Pate, MAN reaches the largest mosaic audience in the world.

Our business philosophy in working with our supporters/advertisers remains the same: To offer the greatest opportunity for mosaic artists, educators and related business to showcase themselves in front of a targeted audience at a reasonable cost.

Purchasing adspace in the magazine also means more than just the magazine. Advertisers also receive listings on our website for one year and the potential for editorial in our blog/Facebook page about significant events.

Do You Teach Mosaic Classes or Workshops?

The new Learning Opportunities section in the Marketplace is a perfect place to let others know about your classes. The listings are organized by geography, making it easy for prospective students to find you. Only $65 for a standard listing which includes inclusion on the website for one year with a link to your website and/or email address. Click here to reserve your space now.


Do You Want to Promote Yourself as a Mosaic Artist?

The Mosaic Artists section in the Marketplace is a great way to showcase your talent and promote your services to the world. MAN's reach has expanded in the last year to include mosaic aficionados, museums, designers and gallery owners. Only $65 for a standard listing int he magazine which includes a place on the MAN website. Click here to reserve your space now.


Do You Sell Products and Services to Mosaic Artists?

Our readers add their copies of MAN to their mosaic library. A full, half, or quarter page display ad will attract attention to your business now and for years to come. We have kept our ad rates at 2009 levels to help accommodate the budgets of smaller business. Click here to reserve your space.


For More Information

Our Media Kit is ready to download at http://www.mosaicartnow.com/advertise.aspx
Or, contact us directly at bill@mosaicartnow.com or nancie@mosaicartnow.com

If you are fortunate enough to be in Rome between now and January 6th . . .

Rome (AP) Italian officials have unveiled new discoveries in an ancient Roman luxury complex filled with priceless mosaics, elegant porticos and thermal baths. The 1,800 square-meter (2,000 square-yard) complex, dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries, has been excavated intermittently starting in 2004, when the ruins were accidentally discovered during renovations of a Renaissance palazzo that now stands above them. In the latest digging campaign, which began in March, archaeologists uncovered a palatial room decorated with precious marble and a colorful mosaic made with half a million tiles brought from all over the Roman Empire. The 16th century Palazzo Valentini, which sits on top of the ruins in downtown Rome, houses local government offices. The ancient complex will be open to the public from Friday through Jan. 6, before closing again for further explorations. AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca.

Where is that transporter when I need it?

Enjoy -- Nancie

All We Want For Christmas: Eye Candy

A loaf of bread. A jug of wine. And a big, fat mosaic book to snuggle up with. What could be better in the depths of winter? Here are a few holiday gift-giving ideas.

Let's start with "something old" -- Antioch, to be exact. This hefty, pricey and award-winning tome is the result of a unique collaboration between art historians, conservators, archaeologists and scientists. If, when looking at ancient mosaics you wonder, "Who'd they do that?" then this could be the book for you.


"The Arts of Antioch: Art Historical and Scientific Approaches to Roman Mosaics and a Catalogue of the Worcester Art Museum Antioch Collection"

Edited by Lawrence Becker & Christine Kondoleon

Winner of the 2007 Award for Distinction in Scholarship and Conservation, The College Art Association/Heritage Preservation

Cloth | 2005 | $94.00 / £65.00
360 pp. | 8 x 11 | 188 color plates. 237 quadtone plates.

"This book features the first comprehensive interdisciplinary study of the mosaics from Antioch, one of the four capitals of the Roman and Early Christian world. A follow-up to the critically acclaimed Antioch: The Lost Ancient City by Christine Kondoleon, this volume includes the latest scholarly and scientific discoveries that grew out of the Antioch exhibition. For the first time, the research of art historians and archaeologists is combined with that of conservators and scientists to shed new light on mosaic and glass workshops.

The authors take an in-depth look at the Antioch excavations, which yielded a range of mosaics, sculpture, and glass- and metalwork spanning four centuries. They also explore the development of mosaic conservation in museums since the 1930s. Included are recent findings on mosaic materials, artistic techniques, glassmaking technology, stone quarries, workshops, trade, and patronage."

To order: Princeton Press

And on to something "new" -- The latest catalogue from Spilimbergo, the mosaic school in Friuli, Italy. We've had a peak at this one and can attest that there is something very "new" going on in Spilimbergo. If someone on your list wants to be at the cutting edge of mosaics, this would be a most welcome gift.

MOSAICO & MOSAICI 2009, Spilimbergo School Annual Vol 12, 2009 £19.95

Various authors, Spilimbergo Mosaic School, Friuli, Italy, 2009, parallel Italian & English texts, 96pp, illustrated throughout in full colour, paperback

One of THE annual events in the world of mosaics is the publication of the Spilimbergo School Annual and this latest is one of the best yet. Filled with superb examples of mosaics in both traditional and contemporary style, it should prove to be an inspiration to all mosaicists. The wide range of mosaics included show how excellent the school’s tuition is and will only enhance their already fine reputation.

To order: Email, phone or fax Chris Blanchett at Buckland Books in England. info@bucklandbooks.com
Phone/Fax: +44 (0) 1903 717 648

Finally, for those of you would rather cozy up with a remote -- DVDs from Maggy Howarth, the grand dame of pebble mosaics.

The Pebble Mosaic Primer
by MaggyHowarth

"This film covers the same curriculum as the 2-day Basic Pebblework Courses held at Cobblestone
Designs Workshop for the last five years. Step-by-step, Maggy guides you through the technique for
making traditional-style pebblework. She demonstrates making a pebble mosaic in a box; which is a
handy way for beginners to start. She talks about which pebbles to use, the cement mixes, making a design,
& points out the little details to master, which make the work special."

Price £30, including postage

The Pebble Mosaic Picture Show
by MaggyHowarth

An inspirational "slideshow" of pebble mosaics throughout the world, with unique photographs from Maggy's library, & her detailed commentary. The history of the Mediterranean tradition, from Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece & the UK, also the separate world of Chinese pebble mosaics. Bringing the survey up to date, the DVD includes the fascinating & varied work being made made by leading contemporary artists. This DVD is of general interest to garden designers & landscape architects as well as being an eye-opener for students of pebble mosaic.

PRICE £20 including postage

Order direct at: maggy@maggyhowarth.co.uk

Enjoy -- Nancie

An Extraordinary Video: "L'Atelier d'Antonis Lionis: The Making of Four Byzantine Mosaics

This extraordinary video captures both the artistry and soul of making mosaics. Thank you, Fotis Flevetomos.

For our Facebook Fans, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_PpbxkOM0o



Filmed over two weeks in July 2008 this ten-minute video follows Antonis Lionis and his assistants as they create four mosaics: a miniature mosaic of St. Bartholomew and three larger pieces depicting Michael, Gabriel and Madonna and Child. Antonis Lioniss Atelier is a short glimpse into the various stages of the making of a mosaic, and the extraordinary relationship that seems to exist between the artist and the work of art.

Directed by Fotis Flevotomos
Original Music, Minos Voutsinos
Voice, Jacques Surel
Translations, Dimitris Bogdis, Ian Veazey

Mosaicists:
Akiko Hatano, Antonis Lionis, John Agathos, Kostas Koniaris , Andreas Tsipis, Akis Karavasilis and Father Theotokis Simonopetritis.

© 2009 Va-et-Vient Productions, Athens - Paris

Enjoy -- Nancie

Damned Good Reading: Collings' Rules on Beauty in Art

"Beauty never happens in a void. It's always connected to some kind of ethical or moral idea." -- Matthew Collings

A few weeks ago, we mentioned a wonderful BBC Special by British artist, writer and critic Matthew Collings entitled "What is Beauty in Art." We were happy to learn that Collings had used mosaics to illustrate two of his points -- but not terribly surprised as he is married to mosaic artist Emma Biggs.

Collings has developed some very clear "rules" about what contributes to beauty in art and we were very much looking forward his take on the subject. Unfortunately, those of us not in the UK were unable to see the program either on air or online. Very, very disappointing.

Byzantine mosaic in Monreale used to illustrate the concept of "Unity."

Now, comes some very good news. Collings has done an on-line "Cliff Notes" version of the special on the Saatchi Gallery website.

It is damned good reading.

Mosaic detail Bardo Museum, Tunis used to illustrate the concept "Pattern."

Clean, concise and blessedly free of the outrageous, self-important, artsy-fartsy, gobbledy-gook that passes for learned criticism in art publications. Collings gifts us with food for thought and, we hope, something to chew on here at MAN.

What do you think of what Collings has done, here? Do you agree? Has he left something out? Check out the link below, read the article, and let us know what you think here. There are already some interesting responses to the piece at the bottom of the Saatchi page.


see http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/blogon/art_news/put_downs_and_suck_ups_matthew_collings_weekly_ventings_about_the_art_world_no_39_beauty_and_rules/6027

Must Be Getting Close To Thanksgiving -- Pairing Mosaics with Food

Speaking from personal experience, we can say without equivocation that some of our best mosaicists are also fabulous cooks. Something about the ability to put disparate pieces/ingredients together to create something splendid/delicious, we're sure.

It seems that the food industry has just discovered the connection between their art form and ours as well. It is about time.

First, Sonia King was one of four artists who served as the inspiration for a pasta dish in Buitoni's Discover a Fresh Taste of Italian Art campaign. Tortellini Mosaico sounds delish and much more appealing than anything "ala King" we have ever seen on a menu.

Now, there is Green & Black, makers of what we solemnly swear is the best mass produced organic chocolate on the market. They have just revamped their packaging switching to bewitching, color-saturated labels. The company is doing two big things to mark the occasion centered around mosaics.

First, they hired Peter Blake (English pop artist and designer of the famed Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover) to create this mosaic.

In addition, Green & Black is sponsoring a contest where one can win a cache of chocolate in one of three ways:

• Create your own Green&Black mosaic using 700 chocolate bars right on the website (cool!)
• Vote for the mosaic designs of others
• Win the Peter Blake piece above

Bon appetite!

Enjoy -- Nancie