As an artist, it’s hard to be recognised and taken seriously in the art world. It’s even harder as a mosaic artist. Mentioning mosaic art prompts preconceived ideas about what it entails. Thus, the chances of being considered in the same regard as a painter or sculptor slides rapidly to the bottom of the pile.
The Perception of Mosaic Art
What do most people think of when you talk about mosaic art? They might picture ancient Byzantine mosaics, often found in Italy and Greece. Or, handmade garden art, flower pots, and café tables in bright, eclectic colors. These pieces grace art and craft markets, using materials from pre-loved times gone by.
Like so many handmade products, people often underprice and undervalue mosaics. Yet, most of us create them for the love of the process and to pay for materials for the next project.

The Versatility of Mosaic Art
Indeed, mosaic art can be much more than traditional ideas. Painting with glass, where each brush stroke is carefully cut from a specially selected sheet of stained glass, becomes an artwork admired not only for its craftsmanship. It is also appreciated for its beautiful depth of color, luminance, and ever-changing reflective quality.
Incorporating handmade ceramics into her 3D sculptural mosaics has become a successful business for Brisbane-based artist Jane du Rand, who has successfully exhibited all over Australia and internationally. Inspired by Jane, I have begun a journey into ceramics that I hope will start to add another element to my glass work.

Contemporary Mosaic art – Gaining Recognition
Contemporary abstract mosaics are now receiving attention. Artists are combining natural stone and glass, producing art fit for a gallery.
My recent high commendation at the Lethbridge Gallery competition was a great achievement. Although, not because of the artwork that I created, but for the recognition. My mosaic exhibited alongside some of Brisbane’s finest artists.
I hope that all my fellow mosaic lovers will start to have the confidence to market themselves. Please join me in the journey to become represented in the world of art.
