As published in: Glass Patterns Quarterly, Spring 2008
Written by Gina Hubler
When I was initially contacted by The Hubbell’s to work on an environmental installation for their pool area, it was an exciting challenge. I had completed several pool medallions and poolscape designs in the past, however the scope of this project had more facets. The owner had seen some of my local mosaic installations, and gotten my contact information from the Chamber of Commerce on the Island on which we live.
He and his wife had recently returned from Barcelona visiting Gaudi’s incredible architectural feats. We had this in common, as I too was about to give my first tour of Barcelona that spring, following my annual Mosaic Tour of Italy. During our first meeting we talked about the different types of mosaics as well as the various materials, which are available. I also toured the home, and got a feel for their design sensibilities.
My initial proposal encompassed the waterline, fountain, and backdrop wall of the pool area. It was when we were meeting with the pool company, which was to handle the complete overhauling of the existing pool that I had the inspiration for the infinity step. As we were meeting I realized the importance to the overall design concept that it would play. It was fun working with Jeremy on this, as he was very receptive to my creative process. It was truly a process, which was interactive, as he gave me a wish list of symbolic images pertaining to their family members. Fairy, Mount Everest, Dragonfly, Newt, Ladybug, Peter Pan (I had to nix this couldn’t have Disney after me!) and so it went.
I drew the cartoons, and the setting was started in June, I will remember this as the summer of the pool! The studio was humming all-day and long into the nighttime hours cutting, piecing, and lots of coffee! Painting with glass, and two brushes, tears of frustration when I decided that an area needed to be torn up and reworked, but smiles of satisfaction when we had it! We had all hands on deck, myself, my assistant, Veronica and four other helpers working towards our deadline of setting by August. The mosaic was set indirectly using TMS, which has a stronger adhesive than Mosaic Mount, however we also used Mosaic Mount to cover the top of the mosaic for transportation purposes. We made our deadline, in the end the pool company wasn’t quite ready, but it was all installed at “just the right time”.
My installation crew and I worked side by side for a week, making sure that all edges were smooth, and that all corners and curves were accommodated for. The step is my favorite part of the installation with the light refraction intensified with the ripples of water playing just over its surface. It seems it works as a great play area as well! (photo#) The fairy was dancing, the ladybug hidden in the foliage, Mount Everest loomed and the dragonfly was center stage. The payoff came early, as the first morning after we had set the back wall and fountain, Joan came out with tears in her eyes, my heart stopped, as she said “I am so happy that your mosaic is the first thing that I will see in the morning in my garden.” And this is why I love creating!