The glorious legacy of mosaics
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by: Josip Ivanovic
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Word Count: 338
We may not know exactly how to cement bright pieces of ceramics, glass or pebbles together in an artistic fashion, but we probably all understand the importance of color and beauty in our environment and home.
Mosaicists are stricken by the irresistible desire for order and ornamentation. They are artists who live with the urge to constantly piece together bits of stone, shell, ceramic, glass, plastic and whatever unusual materials they can get their hands on. They are unable to resist the temptation to puzzle these miniature pieces together until they form intricate patterns, silhouettes and beautiful scenery, all with the purpose of expressing their creative ideas and imagination.
Ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine mural and floor design discoveries prove that mosaics have been around for centuries. Unlike today, most early masters were inspired by their emperors, and Gods, or the social and political circumstances surrounding their time. Some gave their work historical value, while others created pieces with deeper and more religious content. In later years, the nature of the themes changed, and nowadays, many mosaics are simply meant to be decorative.
Mosaics can be wonderful additions to any interior or outdoor setting. The artwork can be applied directly to a partition, or the wall can be decorated by less permanent exotic plaques. Shiny and wildly colored tiles can construct abstract floorscapes, artistic bathtub borders, attractive sink backsplashes, striking fireplace surrounds, unusual bookshelves, and cupboard door covers in the kitchen, just to name a few examples.
Modern decorators and architects who prefer unusual elements in their work will use mosaic tiling for floors, showers, in luxurious pools, or in the backyard. Cobblestone paths and paving slabs are relatively quick to assemble. They bring elegance to the landscape and do not distract from the natural subtleties. Add the essence of a verdant grotto, a prominent birdbath, a trough or mosaic covered spouting fountain and stone embellished garden walls, and before you know it you will have transformed your ordinary garden into an illustrious Renaissance landscape.
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