Celia Berry, 'Pond Scene' mosaic, artistic revelations.
Back in 1999-2000 my Mom and step dad built a pool in their backyard. My mom commissioned an artist to make a mosaic for the pool. The mosaic is a pond scene- there are all kinds of symbolic animals- dragonflies (my late aunt Toni’s spirit animal), frogs, snakes, fish, wasps, lily pads, flowers.
The pool had been out of commission for the better part of the last decade- cancer treatments, tuitions took priority over pool repairs. A couple months ago my step-step mom Barbara got the pool fixed. It was nice to finally get back in and reflect on what a shit show this year has been, AND get out of the Texas heat! I was sitting in the (cold) hot tub, staring at the mosaic-like i always do when i sit in the hot tub- I realized how long ago it was made and how well it has held up to the elements- after sitting outside for twenty years in the rain, sun, ice, the colors are still brilliant, no missing pieces, no sign of age.
I realized that ‘Pond Scene’ must have played a part in my artistic-inspirational-journey. I asked Barbara if she knew anything about the artist ‘Celia’ and it turns out she lives a couple blocks away from me. I emailed her and asked if I could visit her and see her studio space. A couple days later we met and she showed me around! There are many similarities in our artforms but she works on a much larger scale. I like Celia’s work because she’s playful, imaginative, and whimsical. There are hidden moments all over her work. Her art makes me want to loosen up and have fun with what im doing.
This is Celia’s backsplash in her kitchen. I love the hidden details in this mosaic- Celia’s husband’s face is a recurring theme- check the fish on the plate…
After talking to Celia I’m interested in attempting a proper mosaic piece. Its pretty nice to have a master right down the street- she has every color of smalti, and years of experience making large scale mosaic installations. She said she would help advise me once I get started on my first project!
Celia Berry Artist Statement
My interest in mosaic art was sparked while exploring the works of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, Spain. Although my BFA from the University of Kansas is in Textile Design, I've discovered many similarities in the two disciplines that appeal to me. Both involve vibrant colors, intense detail, and a meticulous nature. In fact, global textile arts, such as Moroccan rugs, Chinese embroidery, and Afghan hats, influence many of the patterns in my pieces. I also draw inspiration from sources as varied as the dreamlike images of Chagall, Roman portraiture, or perhaps a tropical tree frog.
Traveling to Italy from my home in Austin, Texas and attending the Mosaic School in Ravenna both in 2002 and 2008 brought a new perspective to my work. In my contemporary mosaic, I use the same ancient technique and materials as traditional Byzantine mosaic, like small pieces of glass or smalti, subtle painterly shadings, formal patterning, and gold detail.
