Issue 9: June 2025
What’s inside Issue 9:
Permanence and impermanence in mosaic. Must mosaics be materially permanent to truly be considered mosaics? This question has captivated Helen Bodycomb for years and lies at the core of her book Mosaicism – Thinking in Mosaic. She writes a special feature on this topic, which may even change the way you think about mosaics and your practice.
A letter from the SAMA President. We’re delighted to be partnering with the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) to provide a copy of our magazine to its members as part of their membership benefits. So we invited SAMA President Jacki Gran to write a letter to update you on what’s going on at SAMA and in her own mosaic work.
What is mosaic art now? Combining strong technique, the right materials, and clearly communicating your message were hot topics on the agenda during a panel discussion on mosaic art at the Mosaic Arts International 2024 exhibition. Ruth Tyszka was there and, in Issue 9, she reports the highlights that are relevant and interesting for all contemporary mosaic artists.
Making an entrance: The evolution of glass art in Japan. Although there is archaeological evidence that Japan imported coloured glass from as early as the 1st century BCE, it has been relatively late in joining the glass party. Nevertheless, that hasn’t prevented contemporary Japanese glass artists from being some of the most globally inventive today. In this issue’s long read on glass, Catherine Rose explores the history of glass art in Japan and profiles three contemporary artists.
The therapeutic value of mosaic making following major disasters. Pamela Reynolds believes there is therapeutic value in the making of mosaics for individuals and communities following major disasters. Over several years, she has researched, written academic papers, and given presentations on the topic. In this issue, she shares what she’s learned.
International mosaicists unite for Carrara rose mural. A global mosaic project led by Suzanne Spahi and Enzo Tinarelli brings over 530 handmade roses to a Tuscan wall in Carrara, Italy, blending art, community and marble in a public tribute to creativity and collaboration. Charlotte Bartkowiak helped with the installation and writes about the project in Issue 9.
Lessons learned: Packing mosaics for transport. Shipping mosaics safely takes careful planning, the right materials, and some creative thinking. With years of experience sending mosaics to exhibitions and collectors – and learning from a few mistakes along the way – Anabella Wewer shares some expert tips to help you avoid pitfalls and ensure your artwork arrives intact.
Why art prompts can be useful in your mosaic practice. Feeling creatively stuck? Rachel Davies explains how structured prompts can help spark new ideas and reinvigorate your mosaic-making practice.
A lifetime in mosaic. In a quiet corner of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, France, Dominique Bergeret has spent over six decades creating mosaics and their preparatory cartoons. From reproductions of Byzantine masterpieces to original designs, his meticulous process and passion for the craft are evident in all his creations. Charlotte Bartkowiak visited him to talk about the techniques, history and artistry behind his enduring work.
One to watch: Corin Ashleigh Brown. After years behind the camera, London-based South African Corin Ashleigh Brown found herself craving something more tactile and creatively fulfilling. A random scrap yard find, a pandemic pause, and a longing to reconnect with analogue craft led her to the world of mosaic – and she hasn’t looked back. Rhona Duffy explores.
A new start after 60. Maria Ortiz-Haynes’s story of taking up stained glass mosaic at the age of 61 is a testament to the enduring power of self-expression and the timeless pursuit of passion.
An uncommon canvas. Rachel Sager has been making and teaching mosaic for over twenty years. In this tutorial, Rachel reveals the magic of transforming a found metal fragment into a one-of-a-kind micro-mosaic pendant. Whether you pull your own glass filati or use pre-made pieces, this guide introduces the fundamentals of colour, composition, and technique, inviting you to bring new life to forgotten treasures.
A guide to European mosaic materials. In this advertorial in partnership with Mosaic Trader and the Craft Kit, we give you the lowdown on European-made mosaic materials.
“My art couldn’t help but evolve as I explored and understood my cultural connection.” When Dianne Sonnenberg left her tech career to raise her two children, she never imagined mosaics would become her life’s work. But a mysterious dream, a library card, and a love of symmetry set her on a path toward artistic and personal discovery. In Issue 9, Rhona Duffy explores her life and work.
Using the golden ratio as a design tool. Dianne Sonnenberg explains how the golden ratio – a timeless principle rooted in nature and sacred geometry – can bring harmony, balance, and beauty to your art and design practice, no math degree required.
Two methods for making mobile mosaics. In a step-by-step tutorial, Tami Macala demonstrates two ways to create a mosaic, or mosaic sections, on your work table and transfer them to a substrate at a later stage, which may even be at a different location.
Mosaic makers in the contemporary art scene. Joe Moss writes about the newly installed Roman Mosaic c.2025 by Jeremy Deller and Coralie Turpin, which slows the clock, inviting reflection through ancient form and contemporary urgency. The artists explore time, ecology and endurance in a coastal mosaic that asks whether we are documenting a thriving ecosystem or mourning one in decline.
Postcards from Ravenna. Ravenna has become a home from home for Eniko Leanyvari as she travels regularly to the Italian city to work at Koko Mosaico. We asked Eniko to take some photos of the mosaics of Ravenna and some local mosaicists in their studios for this photo essay.
A year of saying yes to mosaics. One unexpected afternoon in Rome for Jenna White led to a year of saying yes – to mosaics, travel, and the quiet rhythm of creating something that might last a little longer than expected.
Choosing and using colour in your work. Colour is central to how we experience the world. Drawing on years of practice and experimentation in both mosaic and glass, Alison Mac Cormaic shares insights and practical tips for creating harmonious, surprising and emotionally resonant colour combinations that will make your work sing.
Alison and Helen enjoy creative exchange. Alison Mac Cormaic and Helen Miles have taken part in the European Crafts Alliance’s Creative Exchange Residency for Craft Practitioners, strengthening their skill and laying the foundations for future collaborations through this funded craft placement.
Fragments of light. Writer Clare Bryden has responded to mosaic artist Elaine M Goodwin’s piece Fragments of Light with a poem. We feature it in Issue 9.
Moko Jumbie Jubilation. Oliver Budd tells us the story of creating what he’s decided (sadly, for all mosaic lovers!) will be his final large-scale mosaic commission. A detail of this piece is also featured on the front cover of Issue 9.
Issue 8: June 2024
What’s inside Issue 8:
Laurel True’s ripple effect. Lillian Sizemore interviews Laurel True about her life’s work, with a focus on her latest project in Rwanda.
All stones lead to Rome: The mosaics of Byzantine Africa. Matt Hanson explores Africa & Byzantium, a recent exhibition at The Met.
Kaleidoscope of light: A history of stained glass. Catherine Rose talks to stained glass expert Professor Sarah Brown.
Across time, lost in time. Mosaic turned out to be the perfect medium for Australian artist Caitlin Hepworth’s passions. Rhona Duffy talks to Caitlin about her work.
Franz Schroeder’s transcendent mosaics. Matt Hanson writes about the mosaic work of Franz Schroeder.
“I’m a magpie and a beachcomber”. Manya McMahon talks to Lizzie Tucker.
An introduction to circular pattern mosaic designs. Caitlin Hepworth shares a tutorial.
Juried shows: Things to consider. Anabella Wewer gives her take on the topic.
One to watch. Eniko Leanyvari is in the spotlight this time.
“People’s negative perception of Detroit just fuelled my drive to validate the city’s worth even more”. Rhona Duffy talks to Darcel Deneau.
Mosaic makers in the contemporary art scene. Joe Moss explores mosaic makers from the contemporary art world.
An evolution of mosaic artistry. Rhona Duffy interviews Jennifer Kuhns about her large-scale stained glass mosaic work.
A guide to materials for mosaic making. An advertorial, brought to you in partnership with Mosaic Trader and The Craft Kit.
Sea glass symphonies. Kenneth Blaine writes about his unique fusion of sea glass and mosaic art.
Preparing cement foam board substrates. A tutorial by Tami Macala.
Metal masterpieces give voice to outliers. Angela Neustatter explores Matthew Small’s work.
Kaleidoscope of Butterflies. San Diego artist Kim Emerson’s legacy project is featured in our spotlight section.
Collective Behaviour. We feature Shahzia Sikander’s show at La Biennale di Venezia.
The lost mosaics. Oliver Budd advocates for innovative ways to safeguard invaluable mosaic works.
Issue 7: October 2023
What’s inside Issue 7:
What would the Romans have created today? Belgian mosaicist Mieke Ceusters set out to answer this question in her series Roman with a Twist. Rhona Duffy explores.
Out of the shadows: The mosaics of Hagia Sophia. Matt Hanson chronicles the history of the mosaics at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, which was originally built as a Christian basilica nearly 1,500 years ago and is currently a mosque.
Shattering the glass ceiling: A century of glass innovation. Catherine Rose talks to glass art historian Justine Hopkins about glass innovation over the last century and the contemporary glass artists pushing boundaries today.
Ancient wisdom, modern artistry: The practical value of Roman mosaic rules and principles. Lawrence Payne shares the rules of andamento and explains why, even if you decide not to follow them, understanding them is a must for all mosaicists.
A different view of the everyday. Ahead of Marian Shapiro’s third solo exhibition opening in Springwood, New South Wales, Rhona Duffy asks her what you can expect. And lots more.
Botanicals: A journey of discovery. Rhona Duffy spoke to Cleo Mussi as her exhibition Botanicals opens in Glasgow. Cleo’s pieces explore narratives mapped from her personal journeys through history, science, art and nature.
Complex simplicity. Anabella Wewer writes about the essence of Kelley Knickerbocker’s mosaic making, which she describes as complex simplicity that tells stories and challenges preconceptions.
One to watch. Katie Surridge recently became interested in mosaics and did a short course at London School of Mosaic to hone her skills. A qualified blacksmith, Katie enjoys experimenting by infusing these ancient techniques with a contemporary outlook.
The last word. Oliver Budd has the last word and shares the dos and don’ts of running mosaic classes, the wisdom he’s gleaned from his forty years of experience.
Issue 6: June 2023
What’s inside Issue 6:
Founder of the London School of Mosaic David Tootill long believed there was an opportunity to install a significant piece of mosaic art at London Bridge. Catherine Rose explores how his dream is finally becoming a reality.
Wasentha Young loves the visceral quality and divine nature of her mosaic creations. She feels transformed during the process of manifesting “spirit” mosaics. Wasentha writes about her passion for creating masks.
Amanda Tattam interviews Dr Helen Bodycomb, asking her about what moved her to follow the mosaic calling, her PhD in mosaics, her latest book, and more.
Mixed-race ceramicist and glass artist Christopher Day tells stories about the black experience and doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting subjects. Catherine Rose explores.
It’s always fascinating to find out where artists get their creative inspiration. Rhona Duffy asks four artists what inspires them and what they do when they’re feeling stuck.
Helen Miles explores the reasons she believes there is much to be learned by studying ancient mosaics and that they’re an essential part of contemporary mosaic practice.
After stumbling on mosaics by a happy accident back in 1998, Caroline Jariwala’s life was to change forever. Angela Youngman explores.
Joanna Kessel unearths the inspiration at the core of Dugald MacInnes’s minimalistic slate artworks.
Suzanne Garben believes that handmade is the ascendant aesthetic. Rhona Duffy asks her about her path to mosaic, the benefits of her studies, and the projects she’s been involved in, including the London Bridge Project.
Faced with the twin challenges of the English weather and the possibility that commissioners sometimes want to move his public mosaic artworks, Oliver Budd devised a method of creating permanent but portable mosaic panels. He shares his method in a tutorial so that you can use it too.
Issue 5: March 2023
What’s inside Issue 5…
Dino Maccini tells Anabella Wewer about how he has used mosaic to reinvent his life.
Rhona Duffy talks to Svetlana Kondakova about her latest mosaic project in Burnham-on-Sea.
For Australian mosaicist Jaky Pinnock, creating mosaics is like meditation in motion. Rhona Duffy explores.
Rachel Sager writes about Helga Maribel Sanchez’s contributions to the Ruins Project.
Avni Shah writes about her mosaic African Homestead, which hangs at Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi.
Catherine Rose meets two experts on glass fusion, a technique believed to be over 4,000 years old.
Rhona Duffy talks to Anabella Wewer about how she finds the right balance between her work, travelling and mosaic.
In a spotlight on Dee Ruff, read about her inspirations, journey and more.
The concept of ‘wanderlust’ perfectly describes Bonnie Fitzgerald’s artistic journey and she writes about it all.
Rhona Duffy talks to Valerie McGarry about her mosaic journey, influences, techniques and more…
Jen French has recently completed the London School of Mosaic’s diploma course. Rhona Duffy asks Jen about her studies and what’s coming next.
In the second of his two-part feature, Matt Hanson delves further into Ukraine’s mosaic art history.
Tracey Cartledge and Aleta Doran, who organised the Constellations exhibition for the British Association for Modern Mosaic last year, share what they learned about planning an exhibition along the way.
Working primarily in the Ravenna method, Michael Kruzich creates mosaics to express and fulfil his talents. Lynn Jones explores.
Oliver Budd has the last word, sharing his wisdom on keeping your clients satisfied and collaborating with other artists.
Issue 4: November 2022
What’s inside Issue 4…
Angela Neustatter talks to Pinkie Maclure whose darkly humours glass art questions the absurdity of human behaviour.
Joanna Kessel interviews glass artist Andrea Spencer; she explores Andrea’s path and the “impossible delicacy” of her glasswork.
Angela Youngman talks to Gary Drostle about how he believes there is still so much more we can do with mosaic in the built environment. Gary also imparts advice to mosaicists who might be considering large-scale work.
Emma Abel writes about her piece for Wild in Art’s Hares for Hampshire event, which raised £8,500 for charity.
We check out the Ravenna Mosaico exhibition.
Matt Hanson explores Ukraines mosaic art history in part 1 of this feature.
Rhona Duffy interviews Kate Butler about her latest work.
Christina Elia writes about the history of micro mosaic and talks to Margo Anton and Corinna Butler.
Rhona Duffy interviews Anne Marie Price about her art and journey.
Peter Twining shares some useful technical tips for artists.
Matt Hanson writes, inspired by Istanbul mosaics.
Agnieszka Kwiatkowska writes about the inspirations behind her piece Mona Lee.
Rebecca Ann Hughes explores the Mosaic School of Friuli as it celebrates its 100th birthday.
Victoria Diggle is in the one-to-watch spotlight.
Rhona Duffy interviews Dianne and Houcine Chikhaoui about their stained glass mosaics.
Catherine Rose explores the history of symbolism in glass and talks to Alexis Berger about her work.
Oliver Budd has the last word writing about creating portraits in mosaic.
Issue 3: August 2022
What’s inside Issue 3…
Catherine Rose talks to artists and experts about innovation and business growth.
National lottery funded mosaic projects: Angela Youngman explores the potential and opportunities.
Starting a stained glass business: Angela Neustatter asks Catrin Jones and Milly Frances how it’s done.
Matt hanson meets Merve Araslı, the founder of one of Turkey’s leading independent glass-makers.
Three Ravenna-based mosaicists revive the tradition of collective working. Rebecca Ann Hughes meets CaCO3.
Bright, bold and happy: Rhona Duffy talks to Elaine Prunty about her journey from stained glass to mosaics.
The essence of life in glass: Pete Jauneika writes about the inspirations and processes behind a recent piece.
How artists and galleries benefit from a symbiotic relationship. Christina Elia explores.
Peter Twining shares more technical tips for mosaic artists.
Making the ordinary extraordinary: Rhona Duffy interviews Anne Schwegmann-Fielding who creates art using recycled materials.
Marie-Paule Pierson is in the one-to-watch spotlight.
Rhona Duffy asks Jo Munford about her journey in stained glass.
Istanbul’s apartment mosaics. Matt Hanson explores their cultural value.
Oliver budd shares his tips on business and finance.
Issue 2: May 2022
What’s inside Issue 2…
Angela Youngman talks to Helen Nock about how taking on some advice led to a successful niche for the artist.
Lorinda Tisdell photographs the colourful tiles adorning Mexico’s buildings.
Matt Hanson explores the mosaic murals at the Istanbul’s textile market.
Oliver Budd interviews pebble mosaic artist Maggy Howarth about her 35-year career.
Coralie Turpin tells us about her latest mosaic sculpture Badgers for Chesterfield.
Chris Beckett writes about the inspirations behind her glass art.
Rhona Duffy interviews Sunny Wieler about his work combining stone and mosaic.
Momtaz Begum-Hossain meets two artists whose relationship with colour inspires their creative vision.
Debora Aldo writes about two architectural installation projects.
Rhona Duffy interviews Pam Givens about her journey in mosaics.
Lynn Jones talks to Wilma Wyss about how she expresses her artistic vision through large-scale outdoor mosaics.
Matt Hanson interviews the Chilean artist Isidora Paz Lopez about her large-scale exterior mosaic projects.
Rhona Duffy interviews second-generation mosaicist Oliver Budd about how his mosaics depict social history.
Rhona Duffy talks to Maud Milton who specialises in creating street art mosaics.
Angela Youngman explores six must-see destinations for mosaic lovers.
Elena Fleury-Rojo writes about her love of travel and how she was inspired to recreate coral in glass.
Rebecca Ann Hughes interviews Joanna Kessel about her mosaic work.
Catherine Rose talks to the architectural glass artist Alexander Beleschenko about his contemporary art practice.
Mosaicist Frances Taylor writes about her journey out of lockdown.
Angela Neustatter interviews Tim Cunliffe, the artist who is teaching her to create stained glass.
Barb Uhlenbruch has the last word as she writes about her piece Cut to the Core.
Issue 1: February 2022
What’s inside Issue 1…
Enjoy some photos of Mexican tiles and doors by Lorinda Tisdell.
Christina Elia talks to glass artist Silvia Levenson about channelling trauma and exile into creativity.
Angela Youngman talks to four artists whose graffiti mosaic art is – literally – changing the world.
Art that heals: Catherine Rose interviews glass artists Terri Albanese, Helen Hancock and Layne Rowe.
Glass artist Abigail Rudkins writes about her biggest challenge in stained glass to date.
Rhona Duffy explores some of the ways artists are approaching funding and gets someexpert tips on applying for funding.
Mosaic artist Julie Edmunds writes about the inspirations and techniques behind one of her latest pieces Indian Rope Trick.
Rhona Duffy interviews Rachel Davies about her journey from hobbyist to professional mosaic artist and more.
Rhona Duffy talks to Morag Archer, Dionne Ible and Sharon Taylor about their path to changing career.
Ursula May interviews Catherine Dunstan about her experimental glass blooming technique.
Helen Miles talks to Carrie Reichardt about her recent projects, working with a close-knit team, and the therapeutic effect of art.
Piecing us together: Kate Kerrigan writes about her project where the people she meets create a section of mosaic that will be joined together in one large piece.
Matt Hanson interviews Michael Rakowitz, who has made it his life’s work to recreate Iraqi art destroyed through war.
Angela Neustatter explores the art of Julie Sperling, David Mola and Marjan van Aubel.
Matt Hanson explores the life and art of Talal Fashtouk a Syrian artist in Turkey.
Rebecca Ann Hughes vists Chiara Taiariol and Mariana Oliboni’s in their glass hotshop on Murano.
Karen Francesca writes about her mosaic art journey – from a play-filled childhood to studying for a master’s degree in art psychotherapy.
In each issue, we feature a student of mosaic or glass. Mosaic student Amy Exton kicks things off!
Sherry Mills-Holt explores Barbara Dybala’s mosaic wonderworld.
Forager mosaicist Rachel Sager has the last word.