Exotic Places and Italian Seas - An exhibition of intricate mosaics by Jude Freeman at 45 Southside
Jude makes contemporary mosaics using modern and traditional methods. Mosaic has a strong history, but she feel it has so far been under-represented in the realm of contemporary art.
"I first encountered mosaic in an historical context and was motivated to study its development through history. Initially I used mosaic to decorate objects, but then realised mosaic deserves to be appreciated as a piece of art in its own right and I began making contemporary wall panels – painting with ceramic." [Jude Freeman}
She does not use grout and the tesserae are placed closely together.
This gives a textural surface, unusual for mosaic, making her work innovative and individual.
Jude's work ranges from abstract, graphic pieces exploring colour, texture and line, to reconstructed land and seascapes. The materials she uses include, Venetian glass smalti, ceramic, stone and marble, gold, silver and bronze leaf, mirror, semi-precious stones and found objects.
She also makes her own ceramic tiles. Jude also works with materials collected on her extensive travels or Italy, where she spends part of the year. She draws on her travels for inspiration creating well balanced mosaics that look wonderful from afar and draw the viewer in by revealing ever more detail the closer one gets. She will often use broken up ceramics revealing small figures and scenes in close up.
The mount is integral to the piece. Perspex bolted at the corners creates a clean, modern look. Some mosaics appear like museum exhibits, mounted this way – an interesting combination of history and contemporary art.
Jude is a well established mosaic artist and widely exhibited and collected. She is a member of the Devon Guild of Craftsmen.
The exhibition "Exotic Places and Italian Seas" will run at 45 Southside from 21st April - 25th May 2011. Jude will be at 45 Southside on Sunday 24th April from 3pm. All are welcome for a chance to meet Jude and enjoy some refreshments.
