Earlier this year we came across a call for a show with an interesting twist. The Internationale d’art miniature 10th edition, where everything in the show had to be miniature size with strict rules on dimensions of the art (max size 12 sq inches).
Decided it would be fun to see what I could do with such a small parameter and got to working on a couple of micro-mosaics. I really love creating the micro-mosaics, they’re challenging and eye-fatiguing but just love it. The pieces that make up the mosaic are very small glass threads that range in size from about 0.5mm to 4 mm wide, with most of the pieces in the 0.5 – 2mm wide range. In order to get glass this small or in colors I want, I take a larger piece and heat it in torch flame sometimes mixing colors together to achieve a new color. When it is soft enough I grab a bit and pull to get a thin thread of glass in the size that I want. Then I cut that down into tiny bits to make up the micro-mosaic. This extra bit of connection to actually creating the material that is used in the mosaic – not just cutting up pre-made or pre-sourced stuff – it really does something for me, gives me an extra link to the piece, think it is one of the reasons I love doing the micro-mosaics so much.
I worked on 2 designs to submit – a silhouette of woman in black & white with color on her dress, the other a mini-version of a larger mosaic I made years ago – the view of a Maiko (apprentice Geisha) from behind showing the nape of her neck.
It was a fun challenge to undertake. Figured even if I didn’t get into the show, it was ok as it was good learning to make them. Luckily though – both pieces got in! I was so thrilled!!
The show is amazing! It is being held just across the water from Quebec City in Lévis, QC. We made a weekend trip out of it and went for opening day. The show has 350 pieces by artists from 23 countries! It is wall art and sculptural – everything under 12 sq inches. No photography or digital stuff allowed, all had to be hand created. It was totally fascinating to see what other artists do and the incredible details they can create in such teeny tiny spaces. The opening day was a full house, tons of people all vying to get up close to each piece. They even provided hand held magnifying glasses to use when looking at the super tiny bits.
It has been just so exciting to be included in the show and have discovered this whole world of miniature expositions. Maybe it will become a new direction for me. 😀
If you’re up near Quebec City this summer – take the ferry across the water to Lévis and go see the show, it won’t disappoint! It’s on till September 1st and held at Centre d’exposition Louise-Carrier, 33 rue Wolfe in Lévis and is open every day of the week. More info click here
For my 2 pieces in case you’re curious of the size – the lady in silhouette is named “Delphine” and she measures in at 3.3″w x 2.5″h while the “Maiko (apprentice Geisha)” is 2.5” w x 3.3” h they’re each set on a 6” x 7” background.
Here’s some pics of the show on opening day and our visit to the area…
Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City
A rainy afternoon in Quebec City
Charming street
Delphine
Delphine
Centre d’exposition Louise-Carrier where the show is held
Opening day of the show!
On the wall – my pieces & pieces from 2 other artists
Some folks looking at our works
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church
Looking up at Chateau Frontenac
Lovely flowers
Chateau Frontenac from below
Me with the pieces
Larger mosaic with the micro in progress
Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
Maiko (apprentice Geisha)
2020 started off with news that a piece of mine was accepted into this year’s Ontario Society of Artists Emerging Artist Exhibition. I was so thrilled – it is my 2nd time in less than a year exhibiting in one of the OSA shows. This organization is amazing and has been in existence for 147 years. It is Canada’s longest continuing art society.
Mercedes Mosaics 