An extraordinary Roman-era mosaic, recently unearthed from it's 4th century A.D. site in Israel is currently on loan at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco. Originally located in the buried ruins of a large villa, believed to belong to a wealthy Roman, the excellently preserved mosaic floor is an inspiration to scholars, artists and the general public. My guests, artists VANESSA SOMERS and LILLIAN SIZEMORE, share their discoveries in the mosaic and its connections to their own work. Additional images of the Lod Mosaic can be seen here.
LOD Mosaic - overall view
photo courtesy Israel Antiquities Authority
Remarkable for the beautiful depictions of animals from land and sea, the Lod Mosaic is dubbed the "Marvelous Menagerie" and is in exceptionally fine condition - and BIG - over 20 feet long. The realistic depictions of animals (although close study also reveals mythical beasts in the mix) is immediately engaging, providing a wealth of details to revel in. Our colleague, NANCIE MILLS PIPGRAS of Mosaic Art Now, has posted eloquently about her recent encounter with this imposing mosaic and the archeologists who brought it forth from its hideaway underground.
LOD Mosaic - hunt detail
photo courtesy Israel Antiquities Authority
THIS SUNDAY, May 22nd at 1 pm PT Vanessa will give a lecture titled Mosaics, a Lost Art—Rediscovered! and present her own adaptation of an ancient theme that she has brought from her studio in Rome. Then, at 2:30 she will give a demonstration. Details of both artists' appearances at the Legion of Honor can be seen here.
VANESSA SOMERS, Asaroton (Unswept Floor)
photo ©2011 Vanessa Somers, all rights reserved
LILLIAN and VANESSA have traveled extensively to study mosaics, while maintaining studio practices in distinctive personal styles as well.
VANESSA SOMERS, Asaroton (Unswept Floor)
photo ©2011 Vanessa Somers, all rights reserved
Vanessa
has given a modern spin to this playful motif of the "morning after"
that dates back to ancient Greek times, illustrating that she and they
share a sense of humor.
LILLIAN SIZEMORE, Vox
photo ©2011 Lillian Sizemore, all rights reserved
In our conversation Lillian describes details of the ancient mosaic studio workshop designers and artists who created such mosaics as the Lod and she discusses the relevance of their subtle pattern making on artistic practice today. Lillian will give a demonstration of cutting and setting technique on June 12 and July 9 at 2:30 pm PT. Details here.
LILLIAN SIZEMORE, Vox - detail
photo ©2011 Lillian Sizemore, all rights reserved
A few examples of Lillian's work can be seen in this album as well as on her web site.
Please tune in Sunday at 3pm ET to Mosaic of Art on Blogtalkradio for this lively show.
If you're attending Vanessa Somer's presentation on Sunday or otherwise can't tune in, not to worry - shows are archived.
Thanks!
George Fishman, producer/host