Miniature Mosaic Landscapes

This series of landscape mosaics grew out of Johannah’s initial exploration of tiny mosaics and of course, her continued interest in the full moon.

The first set featured the full moon as well as a few sunrises over a series of her favorite landscapes like forests, mountains, and open water. She created these mosaics from stained glass set in black-tinted mortar.

For the next group she created, Johannah added unglazed porcelain to the stained glass. The flat, saturated color of the ceramic contrasts in such a lovely way with the opaque shine of the glass. She expanded the types of landscapes as well, looking to open fields, rolling hills, train tracks, and waterfalls.

This latest group hearkens back to the forests and sunrises of the original set, while offering a new take on mountain views.

You can find the current mountain landscapes in our shop, available with free shipping.

Four miniature mountain landscapes

Four mini mountain landscapes

Miniature mountain mosaic in hand

Miniature mountain landscape set on table

Abstract Steel and Mosaic Tabletop Sculptures

And the collaborations continue to evolve…

A big difference created by the move to our new studios is the ability to work more closely together. In the past, one of us worked at the studio while the other stayed at home with our two kids. Time to put our heads together over a project required planning and coordinating schedules.

Now that our studios are on the same property as our home, we can pop over to the studio for a brainstorm session or just a quick check-in for an opinion from the other person. It’s a much more efficient way to collaborate!

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These three tabletop sculptures are the first products of this new way of working together.

First Kyle forged three different shapes based on loose sketches. From there, Johannah chose colors and designs based on the shapes of the sculptures. Lots of fine-tuning conversations took place before, between, and after each step.

The flaring shape of the first piece brought a candle flame to mind. The teardrop look of the second piece made us think of water. These sculptures are two-sided with the same mosaic colors and designs on both sides.

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For the last piece in this first group of sculptures, Kyle created a shape inspired by sunrise over a beach that has a special place in our lives. Johannah created a sunrise mosaic on the first side. Unlike the first two sculptures that are the same on both sides, we decided the opposite side of this piece called for something different. Johannah made a moonrise mosaic for the second side. We call this finished sculpture “Shoreline.”

This piece and the blue one have sold, but the candle flame-inspired sculpture is available with free shipping!

Floral Garden Mosaic

Like collaborating with friends and colleagues, connecting with repeat clients is one of our favorite ways to create work. The relationship is established and comfortable, and everything seems to flow a bit more easily.

We created this exterior mosaic in exactly those conditions. The client is a great enthusiast and collector of craft and art, and owns several of our mosaic wall pieces. When it came time to replace the lion’s head fountain in their backyard garden, they reached out to Johannah to create a custom mosaic for the space.

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The first step in this project was to remove the lion’s head fountain and create a template of the space for the shape of the mosaic.

Kyle in safety gear while removing the original wall sculpture

Opening in the wall with the original sculpture below

Opening with the template for the new mosaic

The client requested abstract flowers in warm tones for the design of the mosaic. Green stems and leaves add visual variety and contrast. The tulip-like shape of the overall mosaic inspired the background design.

Like any exterior art, it’s important to consider how weather will affect the finished piece. The substrate on which the mosaic is made, the materials it’s created from, and the adhesive should all be able to withstand changes in moisture and temperature. Freeze-thaw cycles are especially important in some areas. In Virginia we’re lucky they’re not too dramatic but should still be kept in mind.

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For this mosaic, the roof overhanging the wall will provide some additional protection over the years.

Below you can see Kyle and Johannah installing the finished mosaic. Johannah left openings in the mosaic to allow the piece to be screwed into the support structure behind it. Once it was installed, pre-cut mosaic tesserae were set in place to cover the screw heads.

Such a lovely outdoor room! This mosaic was a dream to create from start to finish, and we’re honored to be a part of this space.