Govind Tekale
Gila Rayberg, the Perdido Key-based artist, has once again made waves in the art community. Her portrait, “Forward Thinking,” has been handpicked for the Glass Arts International 2023 exhibition series at the CEPA gallery in Buffalo. This selection is a testament to her growing influence in the world of visual arts, particularly in mosaic portraiture, and her commitment to upcycling materials.
A Melodious Past
Before venturing into mosaics, Gila was a renowned freelance musician, notably a trombonist. Her musical journey spanned the globe, from obtaining a master’s degree in music from Arizona State in 1989 to teaching at a university in Borneo, East Malaysia. She continued her musical sojourn in New Orleans, performing with Deacon John & the Ivories. However, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 marked a pivotal moment in her life. During her evacuation, Gila decided to transition from music to mosaic art, embracing recycling and upcycling as core principles.
Transition to Mosaics: An Unexpected Turn
Gila’s shift to mosaics began with an invitation from an online artist to join the Portrait Party (JKPP). She recalls, “At that point, I had only done a few small mosaic portraits, and little to no drawing. JKPP changed all that.” This international group of artists, dedicated to creating portraits of each other, significantly influenced her artistic direction. Her passion for portraiture blossomed as she experimented with various recycled and upcycled art materials, producing portraits daily.
International Recognition and Achievements
In 2018, Gila’s distinctive mosaic approach, which often involved upcycling discarded items, garnered international attention. She was among the nine artists from seven countries invited to the Contemporary Mosaic Art Symposium in Ploaghe Sardinia. This recognition underscores her rapid rise in the art world. The forthcoming Buffalo exhibition, a collaboration between the Society of American Mosaic Artists and the Stained Glass Association of America, seeks to promote dialogue about the mediums. The objective is to explore how artists can aid in community healing and renewal during challenging times through recycling and upcycling art techniques.
A Glimpse into the Future
Gila’s transformation from musician to mosaic artist is not merely about personal evolution but also the transformative power of art and the importance of recycling and upcycling in modern artistry. Her journey exemplifies that it’s never too late to pursue one’s passion and achieve success. As she continues to redefine mosaic art boundaries, the art community eagerly anticipates her next upcycled masterpiece.
Gila Rayberg: A Deep Dive into Her Mosaic Masterpieces
Gila Rayberg’s mosaic artworks are a symphony of color, texture, and emotion. Each piece she creates is a testament to her keen eye for detail and her ability to transform ordinary materials into extraordinary works of art. Let’s delve deeper into some of her standout pieces:
The Persistence of Anna
This artwork is more than just a mosaic; it’s a narrative. The intricate patterns and the play of light and shadow on the mosaic tiles capture a story of resilience and determination. The eyes in the portrait seem to hold a thousand tales, making the viewer ponder the life and experiences of Anna.
Forked Again!
Sized at 12 W x 12 H x 0.5 D inches, Gila’s humor is evident. An everyday fork is transformed into a vibrant work of art, making it a conversation starter.
Forest Owl
Gila’s fascination with nature is evident in this piece. The owl, with its piercing eyes and majestic stance, is rendered with such precision that one can almost feel its feathers. The background, a mix of dark and light tiles, adds depth, making the owl appear as if it’s emerging from the depths of a dense forest.
Taking Flight
This artwork is a celebration of freedom. The bird, captured mid-flight, showcases Gila’s ability to depict movement in her mosaics. The gradient of blues in the sky contrasts beautifully with the bird’s vibrant plumage, creating a sense of depth and dimension.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Sized at 7 W x 13 H x 0.5 D inches, this piece captures the essence of winter. The cool blues and whites contrast with warm reds and oranges, evoking images of snowflakes and winter warmth.
Marsh Owl
Another of Gila’s bird-themed mosaics, this piece captures the owl’s nocturnal nature. The choice of darker tiles for the background sets the mood, and the owl’s intense gaze is a reminder of its predatory nature.
Speckled Treasure
This artwork is a blend of abstract and realism. The speckled patterns, created using a mix of differently sized tiles, play with the viewer’s perception, making them question what they see. The choice of colors, a mix of earthy tones, adds to the artwork’s allure.
Barcelona Dreamer
This piece is a journey to the vibrant streets of Barcelona. The patterns and colors transport the viewer to the city’s bustling markets and serene beaches. The face in the mosaic seems lost in thought, perhaps reminiscing about the city’s beauty.
Yellow Bouquet
Nature’s beauty is at the forefront of this artwork. The bouquet, with its vibrant yellows and contrasting greens, is a reminder of spring’s beauty. The play of light on the tiles gives the flowers a lifelike appearance.
Forked Again!
Gila’s sense of humor shines through in this piece. The fork, an everyday object, is transformed into a work of art. The choice of bright colors and the playful patterns make this artwork a conversation starter.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside
This artwork captures winter’s essence. The cool blues and whites contrast with the warm reds and oranges, creating a sense of balance. The patterns on the tiles evoke images of snowflakes, adding to the artwork’s charm.
Seeker No. 64
This piece is an exploration of the human psyche. The face, fragmented yet whole, seems to be in deep thought. The choice of muted colors adds to the artwork’s introspective nature.
Gila Rayberg, an award-winning mosaic artist based in Pensacola, FL, has been captivating the art community with her distinctive mosaic artworks. Her pieces, a fusion of precision and spontaneity, reveal her enchantment with color and texture. She masterfully combines diverse materials, from dinnerware and pottery to semi-precious stones and shells. Each artwork tells its unique story, from “The Persistence of Anna” to “Seeker No. 64.” Gila’s art transcends mere aesthetics; it narrates stories, captures emotions, and evokes feelings. Each piece Gila creates, often using upcycled materials, is a testament to her keen eye for detail and her ability to transform ordinary recycled materials into extraordinary works of art.
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From Music to Mosaics
Gila Rayberg’s artistic journey, from the bustling streets of New Orleans to the tranquil beaches of Perdido Key, is as vibrant and intricate as her mosaic creations. With a musical background and a heart passionate about art, Gila’s metamorphosis into a celebrated mosaic artist is a story of passion, resilience, evolution, and a commitment to recycling and upcycling.
Mosaic Inspirations
Gila’s mosaic journey began in her teenage years, influenced by her sister’s workshops. Her diverse travels and exposure to various cultures and art forms enriched her mosaic inspirations. Every piece of china or dishware she encounters, especially those recycled or upcycled, ignites her imagination, leading to unique and personal creations.
Techniques and Teachings
Gila’s mastery in ‘Picassiette’ is evident in her online course, “Learning to Fly with Picassiette.” This course, available on Mosaic Arts Online, offers a comprehensive guide to creating mesmerizing mosaics using everyday materials. Gila emphasizes the importance of image selection, substrate preparation, and understanding different china types. Her unique background effect technique, achieved using special pigment tints and thinset, is a course highlight. This course offers a comprehensive guide to creating mesmerizing mosaics using everyday recycled and upcycled materials.
A Personal Touch
Gila’s mosaics are deeply personal. When crafting portraits, she seeks specific details about the subject, ensuring each piece is special and emotionally resonant. Her involvement in Julia Kay’s Portrait Party further amplifies her passion, allowing artists to share their faces as subjects, resulting in a diverse range of portraits across various mediums.
Gila Rayberg’s transition from a musician to a mosaic artist showcases the magic of passion, the power of reinvention, and the importance of sustainable art practices like recycling and upcycling. Her artworks serve as an inspiration for budding artists and mosaic enthusiasts globally.
