The "Meaning" of Art

I’m amazed and often impressed (sometimes confused), by artists who clearly articulate why they create art and what their goals and intentions were.  There are artists that can talk at length about what they had in mind when creating a particular piece, what message they wanted to convey, what they wanted the viewer to experience, or what their emotional or philosophical meaning was.  I’m just not that deep.

I usually begin my creative process as though my mind were a blank slate (not hard for me to do).  Naturally, I’m know that I’m going to mosaic, but I’m generally not sure what the piece means to me - yet; let alone what it’s meaning will be to the viewer.  Instead, I go with the flow (aka andamento in mosaic terms).  I simply work piece-by-piece and let the mosaic happen. 

I'll either fall in love with the piece or get part way through and think, “wow, this is really hideous.”  Fortunately, that last one doesn’t happen as often as it did in my early years.  Nevertheless, whether it's terrible or fantastic, each mosaic is a representation of me, my mood, my sense of humor, my moment in time…

When a person steps into a gallery, museum, exhibit (etc…), the dating begins.  The artwork stands alone, mute and vulnerable.  The viewer has all of the power and gets to derive what a particular work of art says to them.  They add their own background, personality, experiences, current state of mind and so on, to arrive at their meaning.  That’s the way it should be.  In fact, it’s what makes art so personal - the viewer comes to their own relationship with the artwork, often times independent of what the artist intended.  Marcel Duchamp summed this idea up when he said: “The artist only has fifty percent of the responsibility.”

Here are some mosaic artists that I admire and want to share with you.  Enjoy!

"Don't Loose Your Marbles" by Jean Wells

Jean Wells is as nice as she is talented.  She's from the Northwest and her father did the incredible mosaic commission for St. Demetrios Greek Church in Seattle.  Be careful when you go to her website - you'll be there for awhile.

"Bright" by Irina Charny

I've admired Irina Charny's mosaics, ALWAYS.  She inspires me and her work makes me happy!
I just gave myself an early BD present by ordering her book.  Now, I can sit back this winter with a hot cup of apple cider and drink in all of her colors and details.

"Nana Mosaique Noire by Niki de Saint Phalle

It shouldn't surprise anyone that I've includee Nikki de Saint Phalle on my list.  You either love her or hate her but you have to admire her commitment to doing exactly what she wanted.  She lived a fascinating life and I highly recommend reading her story on the foundation's website (linked above).

"The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt

Be still my heart... Gustav Klimt was an odd duck, but oh my, his swirls and golds.  Nothing else to say.

I'll end with Antoni Gaudi.  There is not really a good website to send you to, but just Google his name and the images will speak for themselves.  


















I guess, in looking at this (by no means all inclusive) list, I enjoy mosaics that are; big, bold, bright, odd, 3D, contemporary, swirly, comical, flagrant and bulbous.  So what does that tell you about me?  Hmmm...
Send me the links to your favorites, I'd really love to know patty@thefranklinhouse.com


Patty Franklin  mosaics
www.pattyfranklinmosaics.com
206-310-8769