The colors in the photographs of the mosaic don't show the depth of color as I experienced them.

Might have been having an out of body experience, but if so, it was with 100 other people!

I've been thinking about why these mosaics are such masterpieces, and at this point, I think it is because of their depth of color and complexity of design. The whole composition is so richly textured and patterned that they are a feast for the eyes. I've been looking at other artists work to see if I can get a better understanding of how to accomplish this level of richness (someday in the future). Pamela Allen, an art quilter, does similarly beautiful and interesting work, with lots of detail and embellishment. Nancy Crow, uses a rich palette of color as well, and many of her art quilts glow as the mosaics do. Lino Tagliapietra is an Italian glass blower who also has complex shapes, designs, and very rich color in his pieces. All are masters, creating masterpieces, and it is the richness of their work that is teaching me what raises their work from the GOOD to the GREAT.

Ravenna, Italy Mosaics

I recently visited Ravenna, Italy, where there are masterpieces of mosaics from the 4th century and up. They were a real surprise to me because they were so fresh in design, color and lines. Many are from the Byzantine age, so they are completely full of texture. There are 8 World Heritage sites in the city of Ravenna, with 6 of them being sites that are decorated in mosaics. It was a very inspiring visit, and reinforces the thought that nothing is new in Art. The density of color and complexity of design exemplify the more is more concept. The glass pieces are 1 cm. and smaller!

The photo showing the 3 floors and ceiling is from S. Vitale, the best known of the mosaic sites. The glass pieces that make up the mosaics are placed at slightly different angles, so they catch the light, and are very reflective, even after 1500 years.

Gold was often used for it's reflective quality, but doesn't

show up well in the photo's. You'll just have to go!