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From Library Journal From Book Bytes As Sonia King demonstrates throughout her book, the wide variety of materials available to modern artists is partly what makes the mosaic such an attractive medium. Semi-precious stones, ceramic tiles, colored glass, seashells and even pieces of broken china can all be used to produce enchanting mosaic designs. As durable as they are beautiful, mosaics are just as appropriate for a kitchen wall as they are for a museum entrance. Also, because of the relatively simple nature of the art, even a beginner with very few tools and a supply of inexpensive materials can produce an interesting piece. Sonia King's book, with its spectacular array of ancient and modern mosaic art, will surely transform any reader into a weekend crafts-enthusiast eager to grab a tool, find a few china pieces and start creating her or his own mosaic. King provides clear, easy to follow instructions for a number of suggested projects, as well as practical advice for beginners; each project description includes a list of materials and tools, and is distinguished by the level of difficulty. However, whether you read King's work in order to learn how to create a kitchen backsplash mosaic, or to contemplate the intricate beauty of complex masterpieces, you will certainly appreciate this charming book. Reviewed by Behjat Kerdegari From Groutline The book of eight chapters is organized as one might expect beginning with an overview of the history, materials, and techniques of the medium. However, the historical review is accompanied by photographs which, with rare exception are those of the author, confirming the extent of her first-hand knowledge of the physical properties and spatial contexts for the works. The quality of color reproduction evident in this chapter remains uniformly high throughout the entire book. Wording in the subtitle alludes to what truly sets this book apart from others targeted for an artist audience: the international scope of her survey which reveals how the varied historical traditions find current expression among artists of diverse geographical backgrounds. To describe just one example, the reader finds on pages 8-9 of the introduction the image of a 3rd-century theatrical mask from Roman-era Spain paired with the recycled china faces created in 2001 by British artist Cleo Mussi. The shared theme of the human face is striking and serves to reinforce the links that mosaicists, perhaps even more than artists who work in other media, have with the art of the remote past. Chapters two and three are devoted to issues of process. Materials and tools are the subjects of chapter two where the reader learns more about the features of many materials plus tips that may save them from frustrating sessions in the studio (i.e. some marbles are easier to cut after they have been soaked in water.) As a regular user of PVA glue I was glad to have confirmed by an expert, the properties I had come to rely upon in my own experience and I learned new things about the range of nippers available on the market. The techniques presented in chapter three will already be familiar to some readers while others will find encouragement to try new methods. Following the technical and design (chapter 4) discussion, the text shifts to projects where the earlier information is applied to specific projects. The book contains much more than one normally encounters in a "how to" manual yet those who primarily search for a source, which answers their questions about process or materials, will certainly not be disappointed. Four of the book's eight chapters include detailed descriptions, accompanied by excellent photographs, of seventeen projects intended for mosaicists whose experiences range from beginner to expert. To name just a few, the pot covered in pennies and nickels, the child's "time-out" chair, and the "Island Wave Vase" are projects that have already prompted some of my own experiments. Readers are sure to find plenty of information (visual and textual) for each stage of any project they choose. Each of those same chapters concludes with photographs of numerous contemporary mosaics that will spark the reader to further inventions. As geography prompts the organization of the later chapters with subtitles such as "The Americas," I was thrilled to note an added feature: lists of "Sites to See" in chapters 6-8 which, for example on page 140, note cities possessing churches, public buildings, museums, or archaeological sites rich in mosaics. These are the sorts of helpful tips from a seasoned expert that might prompt the mosaicist/traveler to re-evaluate their own itineraries when planning a future trip. King provides a list of contributing artists as part of the appendix that confirms the wide representation of contemporary mosaic art. Throughout the book readers will undoubtedly encounter works produced by some of their favorite artists and also be surprised by other mosaics they never knew existed. The list makes possible a further search for additional information thanks to the ease of internet access. The internet is also invoked as a source of recommended reading since a bibliography is not included as part of the appendix and those seeking supplies are also directed to reliable websites for that information as well. For those who have not had the pleasure of listening to Sonia King regale a rapt audience with slide-illustrated presentations or share, in person, the infectious enthusiasm she has for mosaics of all forms, this book will be the perfect guide to begin their own exploration of the world of mosaics. Fans will have their earlier impressions confirmed that here is an artist of talent and generosity, once again sharing her knowledge and broadening our own appreciation of mosaics. This excellent book provides something for everyone interested in mosaics. |
