Fragments to Fine Art

Piece by hand-cut piece, Dotti Stone intently arranges slices of colored tile, careful to follow her pattern to create an enchanting three-dimensional image. It’s a technique similar to the one used by ancient Greek craftsmen to arrange pebble designs on city streets.

            “Mosaic is a centuries-old form of art,” said Stone, who operates SML Mosaics from her Wirtz home studio. “Early on it was used for floors, walls and ceilings in the homes of the elite and to relate mythological tales and religious stories in public and religious buildings. Today, it is used for public art murals and community and school projects.”

            The technique and functions of mosaic evolved under Roman influence, and pebbles were traded in for other, more versatile materials such as unglazed porcelain, glazed ceramic, vitreous glass, marble and smalti. Its range in function is what has captured Stone’s enthusiasm.

            “It is the timeless beauty and versatility of mosaics, from ancient times to the way it integrates into today’s living, that attracts me to it. It is decorative, utilitarian and has become recognized and accepted as fine art,” she said

            Stone’s journey to mosaic art included years working in other artistic methods, including commercial design, photography and stained glass.

            After graduating in 1965 from the Commercial Art and Design program at Richmond Professional Institute [now Virginia Commonwealth University], Stone became a professional photographer in Washington D.C. Eventually, the demands and deadlines of photography took their toll and Stone turned to a fresh artistic experience.

            “I was getting burned out and took classes in stained glass for a diversion,” said Stone. “I enjoyed it so much I exhibited at The Design for Living Home Show in Washington D.C., for several years.”

            In 2004, Stone discovered a similar style of art that appealed to her. “I became interested in mosaics after seeing some mosaic tables at a craft show. I wound up buying a small occasional table which became the inspiration to find classes,” she said.

            Stone kept up work as a photographer while practicing mosaic art until 2007 when another burnout hit. Fatigued by city life, Stone acted on a suggestion to move to Smith Mountain Lake.

            “A friend of mine moved to Wirtz and told me about a lot for sale across the road from her,” said Stone. “Since I wanted a quieter, less stressful life, I pursued the idea of relocating here, and it
finally happened.”

            During her time at SML, Stone has developed a reputation as an accomplished mosaic artist.

            “Being in this beautiful area there is lots of inspiration for mosaic works. I’ve done lake scenes and plan to do more. I recently mosaiced a travel guitar for the League of Roanoke Artists 2009 Showcase at the Jefferson Center this fall,” she said.

            Another of Stone’s work is displayed on the other side of
the world. “One of the projects in which I was especially elated to participate was the Steve Irwin Memorial Mural at the Australian Zoo. Mosaic artists worldwide, students and children were asked to submit mosaics. I have seen pictures of some of the panels and saw my cockatiel up in a tree,” said Stone.

            In addition to designing, Stone promotes mosaic art through teaching. The artist teaches classes at Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, at youth art camps and plans to teach workshops at Green Ridge in Roanoke this fall.

            “I very much enjoy teaching. I want my students to understand just what goes in to creating fine mosaics. I want people to learn about mosaics, that it is an art form,” said Stone.

            Mosaic being recognized and accepted as fine art is an important point for Stone, who says many people don’t recognize it as such.

            “A common misconception is that mosaics is only smashing some tiles and gluing them down to a table top or planter and grouting,” said Stone. “People ask if all the pieces are hand cut because it seems mind-boggling that anyone can take the time to make it happen.”

            To would-be artists intimidated by mosaic’s tedious nature, Stone encourages simplicity.

            “Keeping it simple is the best advice I can give anyone,” said Stone. “Mosaic can give people pleasure making projects using found objects that don’t take enormous amounts of time or it can be pursued as a fine art form. Mosaic art is not for people who like instant gratification. It is labor intensive; however, if it is what a person is passionate about, then the time is secondary.”