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Two Tufts of Phoenix Down

Smokey the Bear does not want us to start fires, but that does not mean that fires are all bad. In fact, fires reduce insect outbreaks and thin the forests, recycling nutrients and increasing the diversity of life forms. Natural fires serve as agents of change and renewal in many ecosystems, including grasslands and pine forests.

Depicted in this mosaic is Duende, a fire jinn, who seeks to pluck downy feathers from a Phoenix before it is consumed and rises. With the ashes from those feathers, he renews himself by rubbing them over his body. The forest regenerates wherever those ashes fall in his footsteps or scatter in the wind. He has gone endured the pain of fire before, and so he pauses.

*Special Recognition in ArtQuest's exhibition "A New Beginning"

* Two Tufts... was exhibited at Peoria Art Guild's 2014 Nude Attitude event in March, 2014.

Fluid Double Reverse (Solly) method
Mosaic without framing glass substrate: ~18 x 22 inches, 21 lbs, 
2014

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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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