Snowball

2018

Julie Reilly

Chicago, IL, USA

14 x 20 inches

sheet glass, water color ground

not for sale

This mosaic was based on a watercolor painting of mine, which was based on a photo I took, of a real cow I knew, named Snowball. Artistically, repeating the same subject matter in different mediums led to focus and deep understanding of the shapes, values, colors and overall composition. Mentally, my approach was to cut the glass, as I would make a brush stroke. And although the glass was solid and rigid, each piece represented the fluid movement of my arm as in painting. Emotionally and intellectually, this animal brings back good memories of a place of friendship, kindness, and trust. These feelings live in my heart and soul and subconsciously guided each cut and color decision. In the end, I believe, the artwork is stronger because of this rare and certainly unique connection.