JUANITA CANZONERI
Four Leaves
One of These Things
Golden Bough
John Cage Runs a 5K
Golden Rain Tree
Marigold Petals
Seen through Closed Eyes
Vincent's Moon
Blue mirrored glass
Spiral Bowl
Artist Statement:
Like many mosaicists, I formerly experimented with the fabric arts. I found that, while the process was fulfilling, I was often left with too little actual texture in the finished project. Very unsatisfying for the “texture freak” that I am. With mosaics I please both my visual and kinesthetic requirements.
General Information:
There are many materials that can be used in mosaics, but I am fascinated by glass. The range of textures and colors is wide enough and vibrant enough to accommodate just about any design, it contains both a visual and kinesthetic texture, and is resistant to fading and stain. I use tools called a tile nippers or cutters which allow for a more controlled cut with little hand fatigue. The added precision helps make much smaller cuts, allowing me to play with designs ranging from full tiles to fiddley little bits of glass. Most of my art pieces have been worked using the direct method—where the tiles are glued directly to the base material and then grouted. Silicone tends to me my glue of choice with glass-on-glass work. It dries completely clear and allows both the base and tiles to move at their own rates of expansion—very important with pieces made to be displayed in windows such as my window hangers. I generally grout my work and keep white grout on hand to mix the two together for a range of grays or add pigment to get the desired color. This can be the most uncertain step in the process, not to mention the messiest. After the grout has been wiped clean and dried I finish the cleaning process with a mild acid solution.
Rather than suffer my art addiction quietly I seek to infect as many other people as I can. Mosaics is experiencing a resurgence in interest and I have the privilege of teaching people who are drawn to this ancient art form. I believe everyone has the ability to create and delight in encouraging others to explore this side of their personality, if for no other reason than for the fun of it.
To view a recent article about Juanita on the Examiner.com:
Portrait: Juanita Canzoneri - Colorado Springs art | Examiner.com
Juanita Canzoneri is one of those creative people who says, “Why not?” Why not dismantle unwanted videotapes and turn the innards into whimsical shapes ...
www.examiner.com/art-in-colorado.../portrait-juanita-canzone...
Visit Juanita's Website at:
jcanz-studio.weebly.com