Mosaic artist Jane Glotzer shares an incredible portfolio of mosaic designs on reclaimed shovels and musical instruments. See more by visiting her website.
“Self Reflect” mosaic on reclaimed guitar with upcycled mirror and ball chain, 37″ x 14″ x 3.5″
Zip. Roll. Nip. Cut. Snip. Crack. Grriinnd. The soundtrack of my studio starring the tools of my trade.
“Self Reflect” (detail of guitar with reflections)
Although it took me over forty years to become a professional working mosaicist, I have been an artist my entire life. For the last twenty-five years, creating contemporary reclaimed mosaic fine art has been my passion.
“Buried Treasure XVII: Ceruleanna” mosaic on reclaimed shovel with upcycled stained glass, painted tempered glass, beads, malachite, silver button and ball chain, 40″ x 9″
Mosaic art naturally lends itself to sustainability. Art from bits and pieces. I buy little, use nothing new. I find reclaimed substrates (my canvas) and upcycled tesserae (my palette) at thrift stores, flea markets, recycle/reuse centers, household/hazardous waste disposal centers, and in trash bins. Friends even call when they break a mirror!
“Fiddle Me Blue” mosaic on reclaimed violin with upcycled stained glass, pebbles, turquoise and ball chain
Making mosaics is very tactile, physical and meditative. I start by imagining the shapes and forms of my design. No sketches. Intuitive. As I cut, position and adhere pieces by hand, I see my ideas materialize and I enter my zone. Hours pass. Cut, place, glue, cut place, glue. Grout. Mixing it up, spreading it on and then cleaning it off is the most physical part of the process where my whole body participates in this step that finishes the mosaic and brings it to life. Lastly, hours are spent hand cleaning, shining and polishing, giving the art its sparkling sheen.
“Buried Treasure XI: Visitor in the Garden” mosaic on reclaimed shovel with upcycled stained glass, beads, ammonite fossil, 38″ x 11″
My art showcases my dedication to repurposing shovels and instruments that seemingly have outlived their usefulness. I’m inspired by the beauty and value of age and old things. I’m curious about the hands that worked with these tools and played these instruments. By reusing and reimagining these items, I feel a connection to the past and a tremendous satisfaction seeing them reborn and appreciated as art.
“Wynonna” mosaic on reclaimed guitar with upcycled stained glass, painted tempered glass and ball chain, 39″ x 14.5″ x 3.5″
My journey began in Brooklyn where my parents exposed me to music, dance, movies, opera, Broadway, museums, and all the arts NYC had to offer. Mom sewed, knit, quilted, did needlepoint and embroidery and taught me these useful skills.
“Rhythm of Light” mosaic on reclaimed conga drum with upcycled mirror and ball chain, 30″ tall, 15″ diameter
For most of my professional career, I was a modern dancer and teacher. But age and time took its toll. Change was inevitable. I had been redesigning, painting and reupholstering castoff furniture into fun, functional and funky pieces of art.
“Buried Treasure XVIII: Little Prince” mosaic on reclaimed shovel with upcycled stained glass, beads, ammonite fossil, pyrite and ball chain, 22.5″ x 6″
I transitioned to working as a visual stylist at Macy’s and in the interior design industry and became acutely aware of the extreme waste. Expensive fabrics and tile samples were tossed into the trash as they went out of style. I reclaimed these swatches and sewed a line of eyeglass cases, bags and pouches.
“Emmy Lou” mosaic on reclaimed guitar with upcycled stained glass, painted tempered glass, mirror, silver buttons and ball chain, 36″ x 14″ x 4″
Ultimately, I discovered my love for taking random bits and pieces of things and putting them together in original, exciting, innovative designs. My new artistic path became evident. My exploration of mosaic art as a unique way to express, and channel my inner creative flow has been magical and lifechanging and I continue to find new ways to immerse myself in the medium.
“Stevie Guitar Blue” mosaic on reclaimed guitar with upcycled mirror, painted tempered glass, stone and ball chain, 37″ x 13″ x 3″
And with a smile on my face, I listen. Zip. Roll. Nip. Cut. Snip. Crack. Grriinnd. The soundtrack of my studio starring the tools of my trade.
Jane Glotzer invites you to follow on Instagram.
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