Summer chance to revive,  refresh, and renew our minds, ears and our souls to new and interesting sounds, colors and textures be it in music, art or study. Summer offers the opportunity to delve deeply into the connections between history music and art that you might have found interesting in class, meant to read more on, but had too much homework, or  just need that special porch to sit the day away swinging. Students I have taught for the last 10 months, hopefully will be drawing connections between what they hear and see this summer with what they have learned in  history, English, math and science classes. 

19 Jul 2010

Exploring the Universal Appeal of Rhythm, Repetition and Novelty in Mosaics

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.

“Three Graces” Irina Charny. 48″ x 24″
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.

“Concentration” Jinet Mosaique 18″ x 12″
Marble, smalti, vitreous glass.
http://www.mosaissimo.com/

Your eye just can’t stop wandering in “Concentration”. Try to focus on just one area. You can’t. The rhythm of the andamento carries you away.

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 Christie
90 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 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.

“Black in Blue” Lynn Moor 11″ x 11″

Orsoni smalti and mosaic gold
http://www.lynnmoor.com/

NOVELTY

“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.

We’d love to hear from you on Rhythm, Repetition and Novelty in mosaics. Talk back, why don’t you?
Enjoy — Nancie