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Call to Mosaic Artists - Mosaics Only! Art Show
Mosaics are already a big part of southwestern culture. Let's show the community how versatile, creative, colorful, and unique mosaics can be. Mosaic artists are invited to submit up to three works of any style, both two and three dimensional, for this six-week show hosted by the Joel D Valdez Main Library in downtown Tucson. Click here for details. |
Artist's Statement
Andrea Edmundson, PhD
Mosaic Artist and Instructor |
My mosaics are messages about consumerism and creativity.
We (I) have too much stuff. Most stuff does not need to be thrown away; a lot can be recycled, re-used, or re-purposed. Thus, I create art with stuff. The unique colors and shapes of my stuff (what I call ‘bling’) inspire and delight me. My goal is to inspire and delight others with my mosaics while proposing that we can all "be more with less." |
My Mosaics
The styles below represent the types of mosaics I have created with recycled, reclaimed, and re-purposed materials.
Tapestry Style Mosaics
2017 Garden Nirvana
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2017 Around Angels
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This method was popularized in the U.S. by Laura Skye. I took a class from one of her students while I lived in Washington, DC and loved it. However, my twist is that instead of using gems, crystals, and other valuable materials, I primarily use broken jewelry, found items, metal scraps, and other types of discarded bling to create my mosaics. The original style has fringe on the top and bottom (to look like a tapestry) and I have created many mosaics in that style. However, I've found that I can also create unique scenes without the fringe, and the final work is easier to frame. I hope you enjoy these - to me, they are addictive.
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Actual Rajasthani Tapestry
The Princess Quilt (Mosaic)
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Mosaics on Glass
2017 Pristine Desert
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Lake Kivu (on tripod)
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You would not believe how much beautiful, strong glass is thrown away. I discovered that, after they are done using them or they are out of style, architectural and design firms discard their heavy duty glass samples. So, I started creating mosaics on these discarded samples, using discarded stained glass pieces, metal bling, and other found items as tesserae. Most of these finished pieces set on tripods so they can be placed in front of a light or on a shelf by a window to catch the light.
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Industrial glass samples
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Mosaics on Wood
2015 Purpose
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2015 Antisolar Point
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The majority of my mosaics are done on wood, using the direct or indirect methods (versus the tapestry method). Most of the wood is reclaimed, but not always. However, I do still use discarded stained glass (the scraps that are too small for professionals to use) and other found and reclaimed materials to create these designs. I also like to mount these mosaics onto unusual items or materials, like aluminum, instead of framing them. More character!
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Functional Mosaics
2015 Transformation Vase
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2017 Big Blue Flower Table
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If you can't hang a mosaic on the wall or place it on the shelf or window ledge, then you need to find a functional one - a piece of art that you use every day. Don't be afraid to use the art: Tables, vases, trivets, stepping stones, wine cabinets, even soap dishes! Having a function is a great way to justify buying art, right?
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2015 Garden Plant Stand
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Multi-Dimensional Mosaics
2017 Desert Poppies - Pair
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2017 Jewel Tones
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These are mosaic works that do not hang on the wall like traditional two-dimensional visual art. They are mosaics in all shapes and forms, simply for the enjoyment of looking at them.
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Classroom Pieces
2017 Retro Visit
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2017 Flowers in the Woods
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2017 Sand Flower
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I teach a lot of classes - a LOT of them. And so, I have created many smaller mosaics in all of the different styles. If you would like to buy one of my mosaics, these are a great way to start - small and inexpensive.
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Mosaics Classes
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My Classes
I teach about a dozen different mosaic classes. This CHART explains how each class is different and useful to you.