Seldom Paired
Dotti Stone, a mosaic artist, expresses her passion for this versatile art form:
“Creating and exhibiting mosaics to inspire others to enjoy, appreciate, and learn about this versatile and tactile form of art is important to me. I love the materials: glass, porcelain, stone, and smalti. Although much of my work is flat, I enjoy the challenge of sculptural pieces. Such work allows me to form shapes that make the hard materials appear soft, as in my Remnant Series. Working in a series has allowed me to explore topics more in depth and techniques to discover what is possible. Exhibits of my contemporary style in conjunction with the classical mosaics of Stephen Brailo from 2013-2016 offered an interesting contrast in styles for those who visited. Collaborating with photographer and poet Barry Koplen added new and exciting dimensions to our work. It led us to produce two books, Seldom Paired I and II, that feature the combination of our disciplines, and later Katrina…in its wake and The Danville Globe, which approach substantive issues. Mosaic art is one of the oldest and most durable art forms. Very important to me is sharing my love of mosaics with my students to create art for their own use. I introduce them to different techniques and materials to expand their creativity and to understand what is possible to create. My hope is that, by producing their mosaic work, they will inspire others to appreciate and create mosaic art.”
Barry Koplen, a writer, poet, and photographer, shares his artistic vision:
“If asked to mention the greatest compliment I could receive as a writer-poet and photographic artist, I would like to be considered as resembling Walt Whitman with a camera. As might Whitman, I sense a connection with each person who ventures before my lens. That’s why conversations often ensue; I want to know the backstory of every image I’m allowed to capture. Often, by listening and observing, I can anticipate crucial moments, whether physical or emotional, before I take each picture. Being allowed to seize such moments is a privilege I cherish. That’s why I sense that each of my images conveys meaningful evidence of workday activities that can connect the viewer with human aspects of revitalization. My poetry is built upon a framework analogous to the projects these workers restore. Each poem offers a literary depiction of and a tribute to important revitalization work done as well as to the people who do it. Whitman might agree that all are necessary elements for preservation.”
