Michael was trained at the prestigious Mosaic Art School in Ravenna, Italy by Maestra Luciana Notturni and her colleagues.
His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, at the deYoung Museum in San Francisco in 2020, “Embodied”, the 2019 SAMA Invitational Exhibit at Vanderbilt University, the RavennaMosaico 2017 Biennale, winning awards at the annual “Mosaic Arts International” exhibits in 2010, 2011 and 2015 as well as appearing in several art and mosaic publications.
A member of the Associazione Internazionale Mosaicisti Contemporanei and the Society of American Mosaic Artists.
Michael is based in San Francisco, CA where he maintains his studio practice creating fine art mosaics, reproductions, and commissions for private/commercial clients and teaching the classical Italian principles and methods of making mosaics. Michael’s work is owned by private collectors and private architectural installments.
Mosaic is one of the most visually arresting, beautiful, and enduring art forms. Because of the labor-intensive and meticulous nature of most hand-made mosaic work; it is also an expensive medium. However, this investment results in legacy works that are durable and will last for several lifetimes
Artist Statement
“Many aspects of my former professional dance and theatrical background present themselves in my mosaic works. They are often characterized by Light, Movement, Energetic Visual Dynamics, and a high level of Detail. Capturing and expressing these turn me on and motivate me the most. I seek to create a visceral experience. An energy, a feeling, a mood, or inspiration. “Meaning” is left to the individual viewing my work. I do not dictate “meaning”.
I have an affinity for antiquity, mythology, and the heroic, and my natural attractions lean toward figurative renderings. Whether figurative or abstract, my work is often about fusing those ancient techniques into contemporary themes and subject matters. I have a fascination with dramatic lighting. My best works have a sense of movement and drama to them. At my root are ideas that are fantastical, full of wonder, nobility, and heroic. I find joy in the “gasp” or intake of air when someone views one of my works for the first time.
I work most often with natural stone, and Italian glass, primarily using ancient techniques developed in Italy before and during the Byzantine period. I find the qualities of these materials, combined with the classical methods, convey a sense of timeless strength, importance, and elevation to whatever subject is rendered in this meticulous discipline.
Art has been my life’s work. I approach it with great passion, devotion, and responsibility. It is almost irresistible for me to challenge myself to see how far I can go in what can be achieved in an image. My mosaic voice is always developing and I do not seek to confine myself to one style, but rather engage in whatever style of expression is calling and intriguing me at the moment. I take pride in being versatile and exploring new ideas that present themselves as well as mastering the traditional methods and styles that are at the foundation of my work. My work is owned by private collectors and private architectural installments.”
Current and Past shows/exhibits/awards
“Trittico del Pacifico”
Winner of Technical Achievement Award
Mosaic Arts International
2021
deYoung Open
deYoung Museum-San Francisco
October 10, 2020 -January 3,
2021
"Embodied"
Society of American Mosaic Artists Invitational Exhibit
Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery-Nashville
March 13-May 25, 2019
RavennaMosaico-2017 Mosaic Biennale
"Opere del Mondo"-Chiostri Francescani
Ravenna, Italia
October 7-November 26, 2017
Venice Residency/Exhibit: Valorizzazioni Culturali
Archivi della Misericordia, Venezia, Italia
June1-17, 2017
Mosaic Arts International 2016
Women’s Museum of California, San Diego, CA
April 1-May 29, 2016
Mosaic Arts International 2015
2015 Juror’s Choice Award”
Painted Bride Art Center, Philadelphia, PA
March 12-April 25, 2015
"Still Beating"
2015 Hearts in San Francisco Series
Large-Scale Sculptural Mosaic Heart Commission for San Francisco General Hospital
2015
"Interplay: Texture & Luminosity"
Harrington Gallery
Pleasanton, CA
Nov. 7 - Dec. 13, 2014
Institute of Mosaic Art
Solo Exhibit
Berkeley, CA
Sept-Nov. 2013
Director’s Choice Award
for “Sylvester”
Infinity Art Gallery
Figurative Expo 2011
“Heroes with Bling”
Market Street Gallery
June 2011
“Mosaic Arts International 2011”
“Memberʼs Choice Award” Mexican American Cultural Center Austin, TX February
April 2011
“Mosaic Arts International 2010”
“Jurorʼs Choice Award” : Oliver Budd The Smith Museum of Stained Glass; Chicagoʼs Navy Pier March thru
October 2010
“Modern Days : Ancient Ways”
Solo Exhibit Sweet Inspiration San Francisco, CA
2010
“Tesserae; The Art of Mosaics”
Exhibit @ 2nd City Council Gallery Long Beach, CA
2009
San Francisco Convention and Visitorʼs Bureau Exhibition
San Francisco, CA
2009
Commissions
Columbarium Mosaics
St Jude Catholic Church-Allen, TX
48x30” x 2
2022-23
“Trittico del Pacifico”Moroccan Google Sign
Commission for SF Chef Peter Hemsley
60x45”
2020
Google
48x88”
2018
"Still Beating"
2015 Hearts in San Francisco Series
Large-Scale Sculptural Mosaic Heart Commission for San Francisco General Hospital
2015
http://mkmosaics.com/blog/
“Nai’a”
Large-scale 3-D sculptural mosaic public commission for Kalani Oceanside Retreat; Pahoa, Hawaii
2011