Member News
Each Quarter we will share member’s art, accomplishments and accolades. Here are some exciting things happening with our members!
Member Cynthia Fisher
I wanted to share my latest commission, an abstract mosaic for the First Parish Unitarian Church in Arlington, MA. The invitation to submit a proposal included this summary of what the committee was looking for:
The artwork will create a beautiful, contemplative focal point for the front of the sanctuary. We are looking for the work to convey a spiritual, inclusive, warm and life-affirming theme with a nod to nature and that is open to the personal interpretation of the viewer.
I was eager to comply and thrilled to win the commission as I have been eager to do a public art abstract for some time. The planning process was far more time consuming than my representational style of working. I struggled with the color sketch as when I work abstractly I don’t have a vision in mind when I start the process as I prefer to let the mosaic evolve with regard to use of color. The committee was understanding and I kept them apprised of my progress with photos along the way. One of the coolest aspects of the final mosaic is the inclusion of donations from the congregation, from a piece of the Berlin Wall to a key to a jewelry box from 40 years ago to an ear mold for a hearing aid. These contributions further the connection between the artwork and church members. I will be installing the 3 paneled mosaic at the end of November.
Member Roger Hill
I wanted to share my latest mosaic project with you because it is a tribute to a young man who passed away last year.
I got together with people at work who wanted to pay tribute to our friend, Nick, and his mom, Becky.
Together we raised money to buy a quality granite bench and I created this mosaic in memory of Nick.
I am very proud of this piece mostly because it is a tribute and also a fine gift of art for someone who has lost a child.
Just thought I’d let you know how impactful mosaic art can be as I am sure you already know.
I’d love to do more of these knowing that it can make a difference to a grieving parent who has lost a loved one.
Member Bette Ann Libby
Over 25 people of all ages participated in creating a mosaic mural 5’ x 4’ commissioned by JCOGS -Jewish Community of Greater Stowe, Vermont. Two years in the making, the mosaic finally came together over a two day workshop led by Waitsfield artist Bette Ann Libby. Composed of mirror strips, ceramic shards, and hand blown glass spheres, the image of a world of loving kindness “Olam Chesed”, will hang permanently in the foyer of the Jewish community center!!
Member Sally Dean
Sally Dean, who is the Education Coordinator at the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury, is designing a 24′ long mosaic to be installed in the sculpture garden at the Art Complex Museum. This project is a part of the Plymouth 2020 Celebration. The theme of the mural is herring run, or fish ladder. The herring runs were an important resource for the first Americans. Both Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Tribe used them for food, and the Wampanoag also taught the Pilgrims to fertilize their crops using herring.
The mosaic will be created vitreous glass, high fired tiles made in our studio and at local Pottery in Norwell, Italian smalti , and natural pebbles. The project, facilitated by Sally, will take place in the Alden studio at several times throughout the year, and visitors will be invited to participate.
Members Lisa Houck and Amy Marks
Lisa Houck and Amy Marks are co-producing a holiday Craft market. Nine artists will be selling their unique handmade gifts including jewelry, mosaics, prints, collage, functional wooden items, baby bibs, and more.
Date: Sunday, December 2, 2019
Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Home of Lisa Houck, 88 Stoney Lea Road, Dedham, MA
Member Candace Jackman
CONGRATULATIONS TO CANDACE JACKMAN!
SAMA had a raffle for members who renewed their memberships early and Candace is the Winner of the Orsoni Workship in Venice, Italy!
Candace shared her submission for SAMA’s One Hundred + Moments in Mosaic Project with us.
Title: “Paying Homage to Mother Nature”
Candace says” When I was a child, our family went “rockhounding” with my grandfather. He had a huge collection of specimens from all over the world. I grew to love the beauty of rocks and minerals which were the inspiration for this mosaic.”
Materials: This mosaic was created using Amazonite, Azurite and Pyrite/Fools Gold set in a small ceramic bowl using Lexel adhesive. Surrounding the bowl, the tesserae are Mexican smalti, Italian gold smalti and hand cut Blu Oltremare stone adhered with colored thinset.
Member Suzanne Owayda
Suzanne Owayda, owner of Mosaic Oasis Studio & Supply taught one session of The Making of Art and Artifacts: History, Material, and Technique at Harvard University to a group of 13 undergraduate students. The focus was on a mosaic called Peahen Under a Tree, a mosaic floor fragment found in Syria and made sometime between 500 to 600 AD, it is currently in the Harvard University Art Museum collection. Suzanne gave a short power point presentation about the history and materials used to make mosaics during the Byzantine period. It was a hands on class so the students tried their hand using a hammer and hardie and the whole class recreated the mosaic (see the actual and the student representation) using stone and smalti glass. Suzanne also showed images of modern mosaics using the ancient materials by NEMS mosaic artists and members, Cathleen Newsham, Pam Stratton, Deb Aldo, and Cynthia Fisher. The students did a fabulous job recreating the mosaic and Suzanne was relieved that no one smashed a thumb using the hammer!
