Why do a PhD in this area? Essentially, my goal is to see mosaic positioned firmly within contemporary art practice, because it is widely misunderstood yet still brimming with untapped potential. Mosaic needs increasingly higher and experimental practice, and further exploration by its many makers of its unique potential as a mode of making.
My PhD thesis does not aim to encapsulate the history of mosaic, nor be a roll-call of who is doing what now. Additionally, it was conducted within a contemporary creative arts university department, so the writing style reflects this tone. I knew that its first readers, my examiners, were unlikely to be mosaic experts so I began by setting out to increase their mosaic literacy.
There are many omissions, some of which I identify within the text. There are contestable aspects, ideas which people will disagree with, as is absolutely their right. I too contest claims made by others. This is the nature of research and is an essential part of the process of knowledge growth. I look forward to reading other theses which will build on this contribution.
I am now writing a book, which draws from this thesis but which will be written in a more conversational style. If you want to be notified once its ready for distribution, please register here.