Exploring the Universal Appeal of Rhythm, Repetition and Novelty in Mosaics
On 19, Jul 2010 | 2 Comments | In Et cetera | By man-admin
In a recent edition of his “Twice-Weekly Newsletter”, artist, traveler, writer and teacher Robert Genn referenced a book by Daniel J. Levitin, This is Your Brain on Music. Genn took a major concept from the book — the universal appeal of rhythm, repetition and novelty in music — and looked at the place these three elements hold in visual art.We thought it might be interesting to explore these concepts from a mosaic perspective , so we went to the 2009 edition of our magazine to look for illustrations. To say the least, it was a very interesting exercise. Not surprising, we found that all of our examples contained at least two of these concepts, if not all three. Take a look yourself and tell us what you think. We welcome your feedback and perspectives.The quotes are all Genn’s. More on him and his treasure trove of artful inspiration at the end of this post. Our brief observations are in italic.
RHYTHM
“Rhythm is an elemental force in human nature. In visual art the moving brush and the wandering eye are directed toward harmonious cycles and shapes that amuse and satisfy. This rhythm is between curves and flats, protrusions and recessions, crudeness and delicacy, patterns and amorphousness, lines and forms. As in music, the list goes on.”
“Risorgiva“ Giulio Menossi. 98 cm x 72 cm 7 10 cm
Smalti, glass Stones
http://www.menossimosaici.com/
What’s not rhythmical about this work? Protrusions, recessions, crudeness and delicacy — it’s all there.
Stone, gold, glass, beads pearls.
http://icmosaics.com/
(photo by Ben Charney)
Can’t you just feel the rhythm of their dance? Every line provides a beat and flow to the eye — from the overall forms of the dancers to whole sections of their hair and rich textiles.
REPETITION
“Repetition is one of those strangely satisfying curiosities that somehow helps us feel rewarded and secure. Repeated motifs, themes and stylistic peculiarities give a ‘beat’ to visual art that seduces the eye and brings it back for more. Far from being boring, repetition is the grid on which higher themes may fly.”
“Premonitions (of a Luna Moth Caterpillar)” Maylee Christie90 cm x 80 cm x 80 cm
Smalti, stained glass, semi precious stones, gold
http://www.mayleemosaics.com/
In this complex work it is intricate pattern that is the repetition. It attracts, holds, and draws us in for closer inspection.
“Truth and Beauty Series #2″ Rachel Sagar 24″ x 12″
Smalti, gold smalti, copper wire.
http://www.rachelsagermosaics.com/
Repetition creates a powerful and strong elegance to this work that is enormously appealing.
“We” Jacqueline Iskander 15″ x 22″
24kt gold smalti, marble, porcelain, glass, quartz, mother of pearl, pearls, selenite, Swarovski crystals, 22 kt gold seed beads, wood.
http://www.jiskander.com/
We felt both “We” and Lynn Moor’s “Black in Blue” are perfect examples of “repetition on which higher themes may fly”. In this case, it is the backgrounds, intricate in themselves, that provide the grounding for higher themes.
“At the same time, the human brain and eye love novelty. Something new around the corner — a surprise, a jolt out of the normal — arrests our flow and gives a sudden flush of wonder and joy. In the evenness that describes so much of life, humanity craves the bump of novelty.”
“Patricia at Rest” Brooks Tower 11″ x 12.5″Travertine, onyx, marble, glass, bone, twigs, gold foil, ammonites, plastic straw, beach stone, ceramic, tumbled stone bits.
http://www.brooks-tower.com/
“Pelican” Conny van der Wende 45 cm x 30 cmSmalti, glass fusion, ceramic elements
http://www.tilesandtools.eu/
It is all about that eye, isn’t it?
“La voie des Songes“ Iule Amado-Fischgrund 35cm x 60 cm
Marble, granite, smalti, glass paste, glazed ceramic, copper, feathers.
http://www.brikezolces.com/
Feathers artfully coexisting with stone and granite? The juxtaposition is not only novel, it works.
“All Alone Against All” Piotr Czapracki 101 cm x 90 cm
Hand-made ceramic tesserae.
http://www.ardea-arte.pl/
A joyful child against an impact-cracked background. What could be a greater “jolt out of the normal”?
“Coincidentally, on recent (art) jury duty I was paying attention to the choices of my fellow jurors. For the most part, they chose art that was not necessarily technically competent or perfectly rendered. What held the juror’s attention and received the highest number of votes was work that appeared to me to overflow with rhythm, repetition and novelty.”
Huge thanks to Robert Genn for allowing us to play around with one of his thought-provoking Twice-Weekly Newsletters. We highly recommend all of his communications streams. They are informative, inspirational and just plain fun.
To subscribe to Genn’s Newsletter and communicate with artists around the world, click here http://www.painterskeys.com/
For daily updates and links to art info, ideas, inspiration as well as “unmitigated creative fun” click here http://painterspost.com/
We’d love to hear from you on Rhythm, Repetition and Novelty in mosaics. Talk back, why don’t you?
Enjoy — Nancie
-
Thanks for the great show of sites.
Have fun!
-
Enjoy your holidays Nancy!
Comments