ARTICLES

A collaboration of Spirits

As published in: Glass Craftsman Magazine, Spring 2005
by Gina Hubler

When Bertica Montalvo visited my Atelier four years ago, neither of us foresaw how our lives would interconnect, with mosaics as a catalyst. In early 2001 she signed up for a mosaic class, I speak with my students about their goals and aspirations during each class, and she unabashedly stated that she was going to mosaic her pool! Her mannerism of determination was apparent; I dont believe that any of us doubted her from the beginning. I think that I was drawn to Bertica initially because of her sense of defiance regarding any difficulties, which were to be faced. A bit like looking into a mirror, me defiant, strong willed... could it be possible?

After our class we kept in touch sporadically, she started working on a fish, which she intended to use as a fountainhead overlooking her pool. This project was quite intricate and she came by for supplies and a bit of advice now and then. It was always nice to see her; I find it gratifying when students continue with this art form. In August 2003, Bertica called and asked me to meet her at her home, as she was remodeling and wanted some input on a few projects which she had in mind. Her home was in Coconut Grove, a lovely area near the bay. The home itself was about to undergo a complete body lift, and facial.

As Bertica showed me through her home, I was particularly taken by a painting in her living room. The image stayed with me throughout our tour. We discussed a few different areas of her home where she wanted to implement mosaics, the faade, pool area, entryway, and master bath. The area, which we initially

focused on, was the façade and entryway to the home. There was an 17 foot long wall with angular height, in front of her home, which was crying out for attention. We discussed possible themes for the work, the house had a mermaid motif, and was near the sea so this would be integral. I asked Bertica about the painting, whose image was still in my mind, and she told me that she had painted it, as well as a number of other paintings throughout the house. At this I was amazed, I knew that she was an
accomplished woman, did I mention that she is also a Doctor, and Professor?

Bertica asked me to design and create a mosaic entryway, and façade for her home. I immediately asked her how she felt about using some of the images from her paintings, and she was delighted. I took some measurements, and photographs and went to work on designing a mural blending our talents. Working on a collaboration, using the best of my technical skills, knowing that I am representing her creation and aesthetic. I felt that it was important for both of us to be in sync so that the creation can have the best of both and not lose the soul of either. Not easy, but the results can be a magical compromise, in the best of times something better than either would have done alone. This is a dance very different than that of working on my own design for a client.

I came back to Bertica with a cartoon, to scale of the wall including the original image which captivated me, as well as using another strong image of a lighthouse which she had painted and implementing some of her strong brushstrokes. My trademark wave was a natural, as were some of my sea creatures and the strong saturated colours of the tropics.
A twinkle of iridescence and an interwoven mix of greens, blues, and corals lent themselves to this seaside palace. It was fun creating together, Bertica added a mermaids tail in her style, and I went to work on the execution of the master life size cartoon. Before the production was started Bertica came to my studio, and we went over the designs for final approval. I had added a palm tree to the lighthouse, and suggested that she draw it with her own hand. I think that we both enjoyed those meetings and it is the basis for what has become a strong friendship. I think what made this process so enjoyable was the lack of artistic ego on either of our parts. This is a trait which I have struggled with, and one which teaching has helped me to understand.

In October Bertica decided to join my trip to Italy! It was my best tour to date. The group consisted of Bertica, Lynndehn Carpenter, Delcia Litt, and myself and it was like traveling with a group of old friends. We went from Rome through Umbria, Florence, Ravenna, Venice, and back to Rome the10 days flew by! It was with sadness that we returned back to the states, however I enjoy our ongoing friendships, also cemented with a mosaic bond.

When we returned to Miami, I saw Bertica often while I was setting the mosaic in my studio. It was a pleasure to visit her home and watch all the changes which were taking place, as well as being part of choosing colours, and enjoying the transformations. In February the mural was ready to be set! My assistant Michael and I went to work! Setting the glass panels onto the cement wall, making sure that they were set so that the seams were indistinguishable, the trickiest part of an indirect setting. We worked for 4 days setting the glass mosaic, and I set the coral and shell base directly the following week.

It was such a pleasure seeing Bertica’s imagery rendered in mosaic! She glowed with delight, and it was a nice feeling of accomplishment. I feel that one of the most fulfilling payments of an installation is the reaction and appreciation of the recipient. As an artist doing this type of work, you really are left with only a photograph, and the knowledge that your mosaic has a good home, in this case it was one which I would visit often.

During the installation of the wall, Bertica was already bursting with ideas for her master bathroom. She had been sketching and was excited to run some images by me. When I saw the Spirit, it seemed to radiate on the page. The gentle organic curves were something, which I identified with, and it seemed the perfect focal point for the space. Bertica had designed a central column, which she wanted to have mosaiced and would house the plumbing for the shower. She had found some pebble mosaics in Italy, which were perfect for the floor in light green undertones. The plan was very open with the column as the focal point in a large open shower area complete with an old fashioned tub in the corner. A rather eclectic room, with windows surrounding the area with natural light, and did I mention bathrooms are my favorite place to create incredible environments! This was just up my alley. I think it is so nice to come home at the end of a day and have a place to gently wash away the stress, and find peace.

So, once again we went to work. I came up with some initial to scale cartoons and we agreed upon the imagery, with the spirit as the focal point. We went and picked out some coral rock and shells, Bertica came up with some sea glass, and interesting elements to include. This time Bertica came to the Atelier and drew the life-size cartoon. The imagery of the Spirit, and the fish, I brought in the seaweed, and underwater details, as well as finding the cast glass heart for the head of the spirit. I went to work on setting the stained glass section of the mosaic indirectly at my Atelier. This time Bertica helped me with the installation of the indirect glass mosaic. I set the direct tiles, seaglass, and shells the next day.(photo spirit column detail) We grouted the installation together. The column is visible from her Master bedroom as you walk through the door, it seems to radiate throughout the space! We added a simple backsplash behind the sinks, including a few shells, and using a mostly neutral palette so as not to compete with the column.

And you may wonder, what was Bertica doing as I was setting the finishing touches to the door at the faade of the house? Why, her pool, of course! Actually she decided to use the pebbles which she had found on our trip to Italy, making a natural pool surround, however she installed mosaic shell accents herself, as well as doing a wall detail in the pool bathroom. And as I am finishing this article, she is putting the finishing touches on her dancing fish fountain Carpe diem!

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