Michael J Kruzich

Mosaicist

fine art/ commissions/ workshops

 "I have been a professional ballet dancer for the past 28 years.  Many aspects of my theatrical background present themselves in my mosaic subjects. They are often characterized by  movement, dramatic and subtle color/ light contrasts and a high level of detail. Personally I have an affinity for antiquity, mythology and the heroic, and my natural attractions lean toward classical realism and figurative renderings. I seek to use this ancient art form to also capture and preserve the aspects of contemporary life and nature that I find moving and to inspire and create an experience for the viewer. 

Related to commissions, I try to apply some of the same disciplines I practiced in my dance career. As a dancer I was trained to be as versatile as possible and to cultivate an ability to interpret concepts and styles from the ideas of many different choreographers. I approach a commission with the same blank- canvas idea; inevitably bringing my own style together with the needs of the particular project to create a fusion of artist/client ideas.

I was trained in Ravenna, Italy by Maestra Luciana Notturni and have since been recognized internationally for two consecutive years; winning awards at the annual “Mosaic Arts International” exhibits in 2010 and 2011 as well as work being published in a recent mosaic portraiture book.  I am also a professional level member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists, and teach ancient mosaic techniques out of my studio in San Francisco.

I work 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.  To create an enveloping experience for the viewer is my goal, and in every discipline I bring together many detailed pieces to make up a grand overall impression. In my current mosaic work I enjoy the challenge of “painting” with tesserae; fusing colors into a wondrous whole creating the illusion of seeing colors and shapes blending together like painted objects.