Artistic Inspiration – A Glass Mosaic Artists Guide

Beverley Bird

Introduction

I don’t think there is an artist amongst us who has not felt the rather disconcerting feeling of despair and worry that inhabits us when we simply can’t muster up any artistic inspiration and I know I am in trouble if I am not racing to finish a mosaic, just so that I can get the buzz of starting the next one.  Sticking that first tiny shard of glass down and watching the image evolve is almost all that I can think of, everything else goes on the backburner, every artist that is experiencing the excitement of this, likely lives in a chaotic home, eating hastily prepared meals until they are satisfied and the art is complete.    Silent studios are sad and lonely places but if you find yourself in that unfortunate place, you can bring life back to your creative heart in a many ways.   

Young woman artist sitting on a floor of an art studio unrolling parchment paper

Inspiration v copying.

Artistic inspiration is about drawing on ideas from various sources and incorporating them into your own style.    A lot of my students struggle to find creative ideas of their own and this is o.k.  Not many people are born with a gift that enables them to conjure up inspiring masterpieces from their own imagination, even famous artists have spent years studying and recreating other artists’ work that they admire before evolving their own original style.   Glass or ceramic, by its very nature, makes copying a painting or photograph inherently difficult, which helps to avoid producing something that appears as plagiarism.  Good practice when starting out is to join social media groups and subscribe to websites that provide images that are free to use, take photos or sketch things you see that inspire you.

Instead of looking at an image you like and trying to recreate it, make a mood board of a series of similar images that you are drawn to, (the Pinterest app is a perfect tool for saving inspiration images https://www.pinterest.com.au/). Think about what elements you like about the saved images and try including parts of each in your composition.  For example, you may find an image of a woodland that you love but the fauna is not what you are looking for, the colours are wrong or you wanted a particular animal included in the image.  A mood board that includes all of the elements you are looking for will enable you to take the parts you love and combine them into something more original. 

Although, experienced mosaic artists can look at an image and know if it is going to work in their own style of mosaic, beginners may find this challenging.  For example, a very fine detailed image may prove to be difficult for someone just starting out with limited mosaic experience.  Simplifying the image will make your chosen subject much more pleasing.  Many free photo editing apps have filters that can manipulate your image into something that is easier to work with.

https://www.pinterest.com.au/

Where to look for artistic Inspiration.

Something I do a lot is to let the glass itself inspire me, a beautiful piece of stained glass sparks ideas i had not previously thought of. Look at your favorite pieces of glass with a new eye, it will surprise you.

I have put together below, just a few ideas that hopefully may evoke artistic inspiration, some of which I use regularly, but also some that I am yet to explore myself.  This list is not exhaustive, inspiration is personal and can arise unexpectedly.  I try to ensure that every piece I create, challenges me technically and aesthetically.  Challenge yourself by exploring some or all of the suggestions I have given below and pick one that is out of your comfort zone. 

Image of stained glass for artistic inspiration

1. Nature

My number one choice for artistic inspiration. Nature is an infinite source of everchanging beauty, colours, shapes, and movement.  Just take a look at the patterns created by sunlight on leaves, reflections on water, textures in rocks and the bark of trees and how a single view changes over the course of 24 hours as the light changes hour by hour. How many colours can you detect in a snow covered forest? Pay attention to the blues and purples within the shadows.  The surrounding trees, flowers, sky, and rocks create a kaleidoscope of color, often unnoticed. Animals are all around us from, birds, bugs and fish to mammals and reptiles.  Study how they fit into their environment and how they move within it.  Eyes are the window to the soul, if you get this right you will succeed.

What to Do:

  • Explore Outdoors: Take a walk in a park, hike in the mountains, or sit by the beach, even stepping outside your front door can unveil a multitude of interesting possibilities.  Observe the details—the colours, textures, shadows and patterns.
  • Sketch and Photograph: Bring a sketchbook or camera to capture scenes that catch your eye. Focus on the small details like bugs on leaves, pebbles or rockpools on the beach or grand sweeping landscapes alike.
  • Reflect: Spend a few minutes reflecting on how the natural world makes you feel. Write down your thoughts and sensations.

Why It Works:

Nature offers an endless array of visual and sensory stimuli that can serve as a direct inspiration for your work.  Of course, it also has the added benefit of calming the mind and resetting us which is hugely beneficial when feeling overwhelmed.

Glassy Eyed Hare - Glass mosaic by Beverley Bird, propped up in a frame against a wall with soft shadows of plants

Glassy Eyed Hare

2. Dreamscape

I have included this, not because I have ever used my dreams for my artistic inspiration, but because I always thought I would like to try.  Our dreams are often illogical and surreal, explore them.  Our innermost subconscious thoughts can be at times baffling in their presentation in our dreams, equally joyful and terrifying at the same time.  The fantastical worlds and characters that inhabit your dreams can serve as the foundation for artworks that push the boundaries of normality.

What to Do:

  • Keep a Dream Journal: Place a notebook and pen by your bed. Each morning, jot down any dreams you remember, focusing on vivid imagery and emotions.
  • Analyse: Look for recurring themes, characters, or settings in your dreams. Think about how these elements could translate into your art.
  • Experiment: Try creating a piece directly inspired by a dream. Allow the surreal and abstract nature of dreams to influence your style and content.

Why it works:

Dreams are from a deeply personal space and successfully translating these innermost thoughts can lead to an emotionally charged originality to your work.

Woman dreaming at campsite on a sunny day
Woman relaxing at campsite on a sunny day

3. History

Historical archives are brimming with stories of love, tragedy, bravery, and evil.  Delve back into time and research subjects that resonate with you. I particularly love ancient mythology and legends, something about the mystical draws me in.  It may be something else that fascinates you, historical events and characters can provide a rich tapestry of inspiration.   The original ancient mosaics from the byzantine age were full of stories of battles won and lost, and stunning religious imagery. explore the treasure trove of the past.

What to do:

  • Research: Choose a historical period or event that interests you. Read books, watch documentaries, and visit museums.
  • Identify Themes: Look for stories, characters, and themes that resonate with you. Consider how they can be reinterpreted in your medium.
  • Create: Use historical inspiration to craft a piece that reflects or reimagines past events or figures.

Why it works:

History is filled with never ending, diversely rich visual narratives that can be drawn on for inspiration in visual art.

Mosaic of John the baptist inside Haghia Sophia Mosque. Istanbul, Turkey
Mosaic of John the baptist inside Haghia Sophia Mosque. Istanbul, Turkey

4. Travel and Culture

Travel, whether physical or virtual, exposes you to the subject of human culture. Each culture enriches our world with its own traditions, beliefs, flavors, and colours. Immerse yourself in these cultures, visit temples, places of worship and family dwellings and take note of the architecture around you.  Try traditional cuisine, attend ceremonies and traditional dance performances.  Listen to the stories of folklore and seek out local artisans. Cultural experiences broaden your perspective and enrich your art.

What to do:

  • Travel or Virtual Travel: If possible, visit new places. If not, explore cultures through books, films, and online resources.
  • Participate: Attend cultural festivals, try new cuisines, and engage with traditional arts and crafts.
  • Incorporate: Bring elements of the cultures you explore into your work, whether through colour palettes, patterns, stories, or themes.

Why it works:

Exposure to diverse cultural expressions expands your creative horizon and infuses your work with global perspectives.

Image of Limone Sul Garda, Lake Garda, Italy. Glass mosaic art by Beverley Bird showing old fishing boats and colourful buildings

Glass Mosaic of Limone Sul Garda – Lake Garda – Italy by Beverley Bird https://beverleybirdart.com.au

5. Personal Experience

The people around us—friends, family, strangers—each have a story to tell. Conversations, relationships, and human emotions are profound sources of inspiration. Family history, photo albums and chatting to our elderly relatives about their life experiences are wonderful ways to be inspired.  Our own personal life experiences can spark an idea that needs to be explored.  A loved pet from the past, a favorite toy, or a book can inspire you to recreate a beautiful nostalgic story.

What to do:

  • People-Watch: Spend time in public places observing interactions, expressions, and behaviours. Take notes or sketch interesting scenes.
  • Engage: Have deep conversations with friends, family, and even strangers. Listen to their stories and emotions.
  • Reflect: Think about the human experiences that stand out to you and consider how they can be represented in your art.

Why It Works:

Human experiences and emotions are at the heart of compelling art, offering relatable and powerful sources of inspiration.

Old toy horse, steam train, train, sailing ship, military tin soldiers, carriage, division, wooden red nutcracker on a world map background. Children play vintage retro toys of the last century on New Year's holiday

Thank you so much for reading this blog. I really hope you have gained some helpful tips that you can use in your creative journey. If you found it helpful, please help me by sharing.

If you have any questions or feedback, I would love to hear from you.

2 thoughts on “Artistic Inspiration – A Glass Mosaic Artists Guide”

  1. Loved reading this. It has given me inspiration to look at the world a little differently for future inspiration.

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Beverley Bird,
Medium: glass
Dimensions: W x H
Framed: no

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