Mosaic Today

Explains the technique and history of mosaics.

A baby is born to Chinese American overachievers. A significant diagnosis is missed by her obstetrician and the baby’s pediatrician both of whom practice at a prestigious academic medical center. The parents recognize the child is not developing normally. She is taken to be evaluated by a world renown pediatric neurologist. He makes the diagnosis. The baby is found to be a mosaic. The failure to have made the diagnosis leads to concerns of likely lawsuits for medical malpractice. The defensive maneuvering to control potential loses is explored and the political environment at a major academic medical center is revealed. There is the opportunity to gain insight into the personalities and motivations of many who have supporting roles in the story. The relationship between the doctor and the baby’s parents is based on a symmetric genuine deep affection. The serial observation of the baby leads to a startling finding. The search for a rational explanation of what is found leaves everyone, including the reader, with alternatives for the baby’s future.

"This book is an authoritative and practical presentation of both the historical and the technical aspects of mosaics. It is the first publication which takes a comprehensive view and points up the potential of this art in several areas of human endeavor The first part of the book is devoted to a brief summary of the development of the art of mosaics during past civilizations. However, the primary emphasis is on the development of modern mosaics and on the work of today's mosaicist. Numerous illustrations, many in full color, provide examples of works by both professional mosaicists and by students. These examples challenge the reader to explore the creative potential of mosaics as a medium for self-expression. They inspire the reader to experience the pleasure of manipulating materials to create mosaic designs. This book will serve well as a source for those who are interested in understanding, enjoying, and appreciating mosaics. Those who like to work at home will find it immensely useful for guidance and information in beginning the exploration of mosaics for personal and professional purpose." --

This visually arresting volume showcases mosaics from all corners of the globe and teaches the skills needed to produce 15 beautiful pieces of your own.

Formerly the gateway to the French empire, the city of Marseille exemplifies a postcolonial Europe reshaped by immigrants, refugees, and repatriates. The Marseille Mosaic addresses the city’s past and present, exploring the relationship between Marseille and the rest of France, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Proposing new models for the study of place by integrating approaches from the humanities and social sciences, this volume offers an idiosyncratic “mosaic,” which vividly details the challenges facing other French and European cities and the ways residents are developing alternative perspectives and charting new urban futures.

Byzantine Media Subjects invites readers into a world replete with images—icons, frescoes, and mosaics filling places of worship, politics, and community. Glenn Peers asks readers to think themselves into a world where representation reigned and humans followed, and indeed were formed. Interrogating the fundamental role of representation in the making of the Byzantine human, Peers argues that Byzantine culture was (already) posthuman. The Byzantine experience reveals the extent to which media like icons, manuscripts, music, animals, and mirrors fundamentally determine humans. In the Byzantine world, representation as such was deeply persuasive, even coercive; it had the power to affect human relationships, produce conflict, and form self-perception. Media studies has made its subject the modern world, but this book argues for media having made historical subjects. Here, it is shown that media long ago also made Byzantine humans, defining them, molding them, mediating their relationship to time, to nature, to God, and to themselves.

The artwork of over 50 contemporary mosaic artists reveals the diversity of materials used and forms created in this ever-growing field. From small pieces of glass, stone, pebbles, ceramics, found objects, and other materials known as tesserae, these artists "paint" images of great intricacy and stunning beauty. In skilled hands, these small angular bits of material form works of art that are filled with fluid motion and life. Presented here in hundreds of vibrant color images, they include public and private installations, sculptures, wall murals and hangings, windows, plaques, medallions, floors, triptychs, furniture, and more. Visual texture, mixes of opaque and transparent tesserae, and the visual flow throughout an image keep viewers riveted to these ever eye-catching works of art. This book will be a source of inspiration for all who appreciate this ancient yet ever-evolving art form.