Classic Mosaic: Inspiration from 4000 BC to 2000 AD

by Elaine M. Goodwin

This glorious book reveals the exquisite simplicity of decorating and designing with mosaics. As it delves into the history of the art, it draws on sources from Ancient Greece and Rome, The Renaissance, Pre-Columbian Mexico, the Victorian age, the Art Nouveau movement, through to the latest contemporary work. Enhanced with hundreds of color photos, Classic Mosaic explores the application of mosaics using classical influences. The versatility and decorative potential of mosaics is then interpreted in a dazzling array of historically-inspired projects. In chapters on materials, equipment, and techniques, Classic Mosaic explains how the process of application in an integral part of the design, whether using ceramic, Venetian glass smalti, gold, marble, stones, shells, or mirror. Elaine Goodwin, a respected mosaic artist, clearly demonstrates how a design is developed, from the initial idea to the finished piece. From intricate Grecian floor patterns to a shimmering Klimt chair mosaic, Classic Mosaic shows how to create splendid designs inspired by 6,000 years of mosaic art.

Genres: Art

144 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s lovely to see the amazing historical examples at the beginning of the book, and the basic materials are here, but I kind of wish the author had included just a few more step-by-step photos. All in all, there is good inspiration here; I would probably want to take a class for my first try, though.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice brief history of mosaics around the world, then on to the projects which showed the inspiration from ancient mosaics and then got down to plans for making a similar item.