From Library Journal
Contemporary mosaic art has an almost limitless variety of style and form, ranging from flat surfaces to three-dimensional objects. This album displays the work of 45 international artists with brief descriptions of their lives and artistic philosophies. As a source of ideas, it is similar to Martin Cheek's Mosaics Design Sourcebook (LJ 10/15/98), with a broader range of styles and motifs. There are no projects, but the mosaic works are beautifully photographed with detailed close-ups as well as views of entire pieces, many of which are outdoors or are architectural features in buildings. Recommended for arts and crafts collections.Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Fragments of glass, stone, and clay are pieced together in the mosaic art form to create intricate patterns within a unified whole. Functional or decorative, abstract or pictorial, mosaics can be naive in their simplicity or designs of polished sophistication. Once again, this ancient craft is in vogue. This time, mosaic artists are firmly grasping the wheel of its centuries-old techniques, and changing course toward modern aesthetic standards.

The Art of Mosaic Design gathers some of the best contemporary works into a striking gallery of images, ideas, and information. Colorful photographs accompanied by enlightening text dramatically document the work of 42 international artists. Much more than a beautiful picture book.

The Art of Mosaic Design is a comprehensive study of this unique art form now poised for resurgence.

FROM THE CRITICS

Craftsman Magazine

Glass mosaicists take note and check out this book. Authors Locktov and Clagett have put together an impressive portfolio of artists working with mosaics in glass, ceramic, stone, and mixed media. Despite the varied materials, the section of Mosaic Design devoted to glass and mixed media mosaics is so rich in inspiring works, it will drive home even further the notion that the resurgence of mosaics is the most exciting thing happening in flat glass today. The group of glass artist featured includes Erin Adams (whose work is featured on page 6 in this issue), Ellen Blakely, whose preferred medium is shattered safety glass salvaged from vandalized bus shelters and store windows, Felice Nittolo of Ravenna, Italy, who works in Byzantine styled mosaics, Lucio Orsoni of the Orsoni factory who specializes in the use of smalti (small, glass mosaic elements) and Diana Maria Rossi, whose highly faceted surfaces have a strong emotional impact. The artists whose works employ other media offer plenty in the way of inspiration, making, this handsome volume a valuable resource for today's mosaic movement.

Library Journal