When Broken Glass Creates Beauty And Emotions: The Mosaics of Pamela Mauseth
Jan 23, 2018 by Dorian Richard
It takes great talent and yes, guts, to tackle such a wide spectrum of topics and styles as Pamela does, but she does it with unbridled enthusiasm and a strong voice that turn each of her pieces into more than just works of art. They inspire powerful emotions and through their beauty breathe life into any space.
A native of Seattle, Pamela now lives in Carnation, Washington where she continues to explore new avenues to express herself be if for private collection or in public spaces.
Like many mosaicists the path that led her to this ancient art form was as unique as she is. She shared with us some of this path and her thoughts on this challenging artform she masters so well.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have always wanted to be an artist and began drawing when I was very young. I’ve worked in a variety of mediums including pen & ink, marker illustration, animation and digital design.
Fun Fact: There was construction in our small town and the workmen had put up a walkway with with street on one side and a plywood wall on the other. One early morning I rode my bike to the walkway and painted an elaborate snake with a poem on the plywood. I didn’t sign my name, but saw my work on the front page of our local paper the next day, wondering who had made the painting.
How did you start in mosaics?
Five years ago, I met the Monks of New Skete in Cambridge, New York. I was inspired to do a mosaic for their Monastery. My idea was to make a mosaic of St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio. I had not done a mosaic before, but I did some research and found a mosaic studio in Seattle. I remember I walked in and asked a few questions about basic technique, gathered my vitreous glass and started my mosaic.
What do you like best about being a mosaic artist?
Mosaic art is a beautiful art form, provoking emotions, inspiration, contemplation, and more. It is a forgiving art form. The technique allows design and color changes to be made before the finished piece without sacrificing materials, or having to start over.
Particularly exciting is seeing your finished art. The addition of grouting, cleaning, and polishing combine to enhance the design and compliment the piece.
Challenging…For me it is how I will work with the ‘flow’ of the design, how I will cut each piece of glass, and placement so that the art has movement.
What was the best advice given to you as an artist?
That I could always do better.
Are there any artists that particularly inspire you?
Some of my favorite artists include Landseer, Henri Rousseau, Sandro Botticelli, etc.
Can you walk us through your process?
Once I have an idea, I do lots and lots of research in books, and on the computer, to see how I might approach the design. Sometimes I begin with a sketch and I will create a composite. When size is determined, I can begin setting up my workspace and cutting, placing the pieces of glass.
How much time I spend on one piece of art is determined by its size and when the client requests the piece. I have spent nearly a year on some pieces and 2–3 weeks on others.
Which of your works are you particularly proud of or have a special connection to?
I am particularly proud of my first mosaic, St. Francis and the Wolf of Gubbio. Also my Madonna & Child, which is in Archbishop Murphy’s St. Thomas Chapel, Everett, WA.
What would your dream project be?
Creating a large mosaic mural, series of mosaics, etc., for Public Art.
What recommendation would you give someone interested in purchasing a mosaic?
Each piece of art has a unique feel to it. It is one-of-a-kind. Art brings warmth, humanity, character, and inspiration into spaces, whether it be your home, office, or commercial entity. Purchasing beautiful things enhances the atmosphere in all living spaces.
The beauty of Pamela’s art doesn’t reside in the fact that she tries to evoke a particular emotion, but rather in the way she lets us connect with each piece on a personal level. You can view some of her inspiring work here. We hope it will connect with you as much as it did with us.
Let us know if any of her pieces inspired you in a special way and join us next week as we get ready for Valentine’s day by exploring the most powerful emotion of all: Love.
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Originally published at www.mosaicslab.com.
