Illuminada, Mother With Child

This 22" tall glass mosaic sculpture was accepted for exhibition in the Fine Arts Gallery at the 2005 Expo New Mexico Fair. Illuminada is a glass mosaic that took over ten months' time and thousands of pieces of glass to create. The form began with a handcrafted wooden base that houses a light with a dimmer switch. The light is mounted facing upward through the sculpture and casts its glow through an eight inch 'baby' hand carved from lexan. The light is then diffused through the lexan and glows upward through the glass sculpture.

The process of building the sculpture began with wire mesh that was hand shaped into the form of the mother. Strips of one inch wide fiberglass mesh were then applied to the wire and hand sewn together where the seams of the fiberglass tape met. A resin based hardening agent was then applied in coats over the fiberglass strips until a thickness was achieved that would support the weight of the glass but not lose its translucence. The abdomen presented special challenges as the intent was to allow visibility of the child within. It was created without the use of the fiberglass tape and will remain a trade secret for the time being. A very clear, translucent glass (Sicis) was used for that area of the body so that the child's form is visible.

The wire mesh that served as the basic support for the form was removed after the resin hardened. This shell was then adhered to the wooden base with special screws and, of course, more of the resin. Tiny red hearts are scattered throughout the mother's shawl as it flows in folds and gathers about her body. As the photos show, this sculpture is meant to be viewed when illuminated. In this case, the digital photos reflect quite accurately the colors in daylight.

          Wire form, lexan baby....       fiberglass mesh, resin and glass...   the sculpture in broad daylight...

But look what happens when she is Illuminated...

Overall Dimensions (W X H as shown) 17x22 inches

Base: Marble

Sculptural Mosaics: Sicis glass imported from Italy, metallic glass imported from Georgia. The shawl is in the following colors: Merlot, plum, violet, ocean blue, Jerusalem gold, and deep red. Sicis glass in peach, hyacinth, daffodil and crocus.

Weight: 35 pounds

Grout: Base only, Custom Adobe

Base: Wood, electrical wiring, light with dimmer switch, ten foot cord

Price: $2,500.00

© 2003, New Mexico Mosaics.  All rights reserved.

Last Updated: 01/29/2008 04:58 PM