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Astir

Layered (1-3) glass on glass. Some tessarae lay on their sides and everywhichway.
fluid double indirect method

This is a scene that was inspired by the westward view from Drakesbad horse-camp and lodge in Lassen National Park, which is in N. California. Before I tackled the sky, I carelessly kicked the mosaic (I glue after assembling most pieces). After rearranging tess in all but the center field, I saw commotion. Serendipity demanded that I fracture the sky and add clouds of oil (some tesserae are iridescent, which reminds me of oil on water, as in the Gulf of Mexico). This also satisfied my desire not to treat the sky as a backdrop.

I made more "enhancements" than usual. For example, the substrate is stained glass, I laid some tesserae on their sides, I exaggerated colors, used tess depth to create shadow, and it seemed like a good idea at the time to meld the scene with the matte-like frame of glass seen here on the outside perimeter (wood frame not shown). I wanted to try a transition from image to frame, thinking they would work better as a unit.

Accepted into two international exhibitions at the Ciel Gallery in Charlotte, NC:

  • "Contemporary Mosaic Art 2010," jurored by Jean Ann Dabb and

  • "Back to the Garden 2012," jurored by Julie Richey. People's Choice Award

Stained glass. layered, 20w x 16 h x 1 inches,2010

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​​© 2018 John Sollinger - Solly -  All Rights Reserved.

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John D. Sollinger, Ph.D.Mosaic Artist | Educator | Biologist | Ashland, Oregon, USAProfessional SummaryAward-winning mosaic artist and former biology professor known for integrating scientific precision withartistic expression. Internationally recognized for innovative techniques, especially the "fluid double reverse"method. Proven record of success in exhibitions, residencies, workshops, and publications. Skilledcommunicator and juror with a passion for education and cross-disciplinary creativity.EducationPh.D., Genetics - Oregon State University, 1995B.S., Forestry - Michigan Technological University, 1977Postdoctoral Fellowships - Carleton College, MN (1993-1999)Selected Honors & Awards- Best in Show, Mosaic Art International - RADIANCE- Grand Prize, Uroboros "Great American Landscapes" - SNOWFELL- Best of Show, Water, Colors of Humanity - SNOWFELL- Cover Feature, Mosaic Art Today - RADIANCE- Honorable Mention, The Artist's Magazine - OLD GROWTH- Special Recognition, Light Space & Time - TWO TUFTS OF PHOENIX DOWNExhibitions (Selected)International:- Ravenna-Mosaico, Italy - BROOKSIDE, OF EDEN, SNOWFELL- CMA2, USA - WILDFIRE (2024)- Gaziantep Museum, Turkey - FORESHADOW, FIREFIGHTNational & Regional:- Mosaic Art International (multiple years)- Delphi Glass Festival - FORGET-ME-NOT FOR LOVE ALONE- Artprize - SNOWFELL, DAPPLED RADIANCE- Royal Nebeker Gallery, OR - TWO TUFTS OF PHOENIX DOWN- Liberty Arts, CA - OLD GROWTH, ASTIR- Ciel Gallery, NC - OF EDEN, RADIANCEJohn D. Sollinger, Ph.D.Mosaic Artist | Educator | Biologist | Ashland, Oregon, USATeaching & WorkshopsInternational: UK (BAMM), Ireland, France, Israel, Germany, NetherlandsNational: Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Tennessee, TexasResidencies: Olive Stack Gallery, Ireland (4x: 2017-2025), Uroboros Glass, OR (2016), Crater Lake NationalPark, OR (2013)Speaking Engagements- Keynote, British Association of Modern Mosaicists (2018)- MAANZ (Australia), AIMC (Italy), Gaziantep (Turkey)- Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA), USA- Contemporary Mosaic Art Summit, OregonJuror Experience- CMA2 Exhibition, Eugene, OR (2024)- BAMM, UK (2018)- Olive Stack Gallery, Ireland (2018)- CMA Summit, USA (2014-2017)Publications & FeaturesMosaic Art Today, The Artist's Magazine, Grout, Mosaique, Addicted to Glass. Featured artist in French,Russian, British, and American publications. Interviewed on Jefferson Public Radio, featured in Mail Tribune.Professional AffiliationsBAMM, MAANZ, AIMC (Board of Auditors), SAMA, CMA, CMA2Previous Academic PositionBiology Faculty, Southern Oregon University (2000-2012)Courses taught: Developmental Biology, General Biology, First Year ExperienceArtistic TechniquesSpecialization in fluid double reverse and wet/dry direct mosaic methods. Works primarily in ungroutedglass-on-glass mosaic for indoor display. Known for fine gradation, botanical realism, and illusion of depth.

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