Anne-Marie Battis Mosaic Studio

Not too long ago, a mysterious artist created a large (10’ x 10’) mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe on a surfboard. The mystery is that the mosaic was installed under an overpass in Encinitas, California, by a crew of “construction workers,” with no permission and no names. This has received a lot of media attention, sparking debates on graffiti vs. art. Some loved it and wanted it to stay in place; some said it was vandalism and should be removed. There were offers to buy it. There were people praying to it. They brought in a conservator to test the mosaic for its ability to be moved. In the end, it was removed and will be installed somewhere else. The artist revealed himself just a few days ago, and is apparently paying the moving bill. What a way to get fame as a mosaic artist.

That is all very interesting, but here’s what got me: when the artist came forward with his story, it turns out he attended a 2-week mosaic course in Italy, came back home, quit his job, and made the mosaic. Now THAT is mind-blowing to me. Six years ago I took a 1-week mosaic course in Italy, came back home, continued going to my job, made various (small) mosaics, and never installed a single one in public. I mean, what is wrong with me?

It had never occurred to me before to install a mosaic in public, but thanks to Mark Patterson, the Encinitas IBM-nerd-turned-artist, this is my new goal.