Artist Carol Davis shares her inspiration and technique of using mosaic glass to create vibrant works of art. See more by visiting her website.
![Abstract glass mosaic of the moon behind tree branches by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Marble-13x11-500px.jpg)
“Marble” Glass Mosaic, 13″ x 11″
Mosaics have a long history, starting in Mesopotamia in the 3rd millennium BC. They were typically made from clay tiles, pebbles and sometimes glass. They often depicted religious subjects or were purely decorative.
![Abstract glass mosaic of leaves and a fence by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/prance___14x21.jpg)
“Prance” Glass Mosaic, 14″ x 21″
I do mosaics differently.
![Abstract Glass mosaic of a penumbra by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/penumbra___13x11.jpg)
“Penumbra” Glass Mosaic, 13″ x 11″
I grew up with art. My father was a painter and always had a painting he was working on in our den. I often got to go with him to the locations where he was working on a piece, and would watch him build that painting in real time from start to finish. It was really fascinating for me. He was an impressionist painter and mostly painted landscapes. I love his work.
![Abstract glass mosaic of a god and a tree by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/gus___21x28.jpg)
“Gus” Glass Mosaic, 21″ x 28″
With mosaics, I love how the different bits come together to make a whole, which is Impressionistic as I see it.
![Abstract glass mosaic of a landscape by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sometimes-27x34-500px.jpg)
“Sometimes” Glass Mosaic, 27″ x 34″
I was enticed to make mosaics as a means to interpret images and forms in ways different from painting, design and collage, all of which I have a background in.
![Abstract glass mosaic of a desert scene by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/would___28x19.jpg)
“Would” Glass Mosaic, 28″ x 19″
Glass is transparent and opaque at the same time, and I love how the cuts are not perfect. I fully embrace the Japanese idea of Wabi Sabi, the beauty in imperfection.
![Abstract glass mosaic of a tree by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/limb___16x22.jpg)
“Limb” Glass Mosaic, 16″ x 22″
Stained-glass glass is the only type I use in my mosaics because the colors are so incredibly vibrant. I actually relish the constraints that the glass gives me. Since I cannot mix my own colors, this forces me to choose carefully when selecting colors and textures in each particular piece. It is creative problem solving at its finest.
![Abstract glass mosaic of a tree lined sidewalk by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/sound___24x32.jpg)
“Sound” Glass Mosaic, 24″ x 32″
I see myself making mosaics differently than others do, by involving elements in a painterly way. Light logic, perspective, point of focus, balance, movement and proportion are all considered.
![Abstract glass mosaic of a tree on a hill by Carol Davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/then___20x27.jpg)
“Then” Glass Mosaic, 20″ x 27″
Often starting with a photograph that I’ve taken, I go from there by reinterpreting the colors and adding graphic elements. Sometimes I combine images, and sometimes I add words, which create another layer of consideration. This leaves it to the viewer to interpret the words as they see them within the context of the piece.
![Abstract glass mosaic by Carol davis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/still___23x32.jpg)
“Still” Glass Mosaic, 23″ x 32″
I appreciate ambiguity in art where each viewer can see and think about a piece in their own light. As a viewer, I like to come to art on my own terms, and I hope that my viewers do the same with my art.
![Artist Carol Davis with her glass mosaic art](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/artist-500px.jpg)
Artist Carol Davis with her glass mosaic art
I am hoping my viewers will find my work unique and refreshing.
These mosaics are wonderful! They’re full in imagination, inspiration, beauty and whimsy.