BY EMMA STENZEL
Cardinal Staff
A piece of mosaic art created by Monta May, Saint Mary’s University’s director of web communications, is on display inside SMU’s Toner Center. The mosaic, entitled “Flock,” is composed of several pieces of colored glass assembled to form an image of five birds. According to May, the piece makes a statement about unity. “None of the birds are the same, yet they’re all together,” said May.
May began working on the piece in August of 2008 after she came across an elaborate mosaic in Chicago, Ill. Inspiration struck, and soon after May began researching mosaics, buying materials and practicing techniques. “I noticed mosaics everywhere, and I thought to myself, ‘I have to make mosaics,’” said May.
May said, she spent nearly 40 hours creating “Flock,” which was finished in November 2008. May continues to explore different methods of mosaics. She has created many pieces since “Flock” and teaches mosaic art at the Winona Art Center. Though mosaics can be time-consuming and expensive, May said she appreciates that she can connect the mosaic medium with ancient art forms. “I like to take ancient techniques and do something contemporary with them,” said May. “I see myself as part of an unbroken line of humans doing something.”
In addition to working with mosaics, May also weaves, sculpts, paints and takes photographs. “I think that it is important for people to keep art in their lives,” May said. “Art is such an important part of being human, and people often dismiss it. It’s just something humans are driven to do. We see it, hear it and live it. I really hope people can experience the art around them. Everybody can make art.”
For more information about May and her artwork, visit her website, www.montagael.blogspot.com.
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