by Charles Spillar on Jan.08, 2010, under Tucson Art, arts
FEATURED ARTIST: Ginny Moss Rothwell
Ginny Moss Rothwell in her studio
The best word to describe Ginny Moss Rothwell’s work is “incredible.” At first look you think it is an exceptional painting but looking closer you realize it is a uniquely created mosaic. Her goal is to create images that will inspire the imagination and leave a lasting impression. Patience and persistence best describes her talent.
In the 70’s she worked for the famous Tucson artist Ted De Grazia as a member of the De Grazia Guild. She created dolls in the image of the children in his paintings and were authorized and signed by both De Grazia and Rothwell.
In 1994, years after De Grazia’s death, Ginny was commissioned by the De Grazia Foundation to restore the artwork in his Mission in the Sun located on the Gallery of the Sun grounds. She was selected because she knew De Grazia’s work, his style and had a feel for the chapel. It was a very detailed job as it was dry brushed on adobe-plastered walls using colors that had aged since the mid 1950’s when created.
The mosaics are her latest creations but she is also talented in creating bronze sculptures and oil paintings. By reviewing the work below you will see the influences she received by living in many foreign cultures such as India, Nepal, Indonesia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan and was particularly inspired by the colorful tile designs she saw in Samarkand in Central Asia.
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Explanations of the individual works in her mosaic series can be seen on her web site (in process): http://www.mossrothwellfineart.com
Her Frida Kahlo pieces seen above depict Frieda Kahlo in the way she likes to think the artist would be today…. free from pain and in a more peaceful place.
Her newest mosaic work was inspired and encouraged by her artist friends from Uzbekistan
Dmitriy Novakov http://www.artsogdiana.com/novakov_dmitriy/index.html
Anna Ivanova http://www.art-domain.com/ivanova.html
Dmitriy Akhunbabaev http://www.artsogdiana.com/akhunbabaev_dmitriy/index.html
When I first saw Ginny’s work I was amazed. As a professional artist myself with over twenty years experience with ceramics I understand the difficulty in accomplishing what she has created with her mosaics. Below are a few photos and explanations of her process.
In process mosaic by Ginny Moss Rothwell
Each part of this process takes great patience and skill. As you can see, each piece of the picture must be hand cut, hand glazed and then fired. To accomplish the proper color for the painterly effect she desires in her completed work the pieces sometimes need to be fired multiple times and often have to be discarded and replaced by new cut tiles and then re-fired to match the desired color.
Mosaic in process by Ginny Moss Rothwell
Jewel In The Lotus Mosiac in process
Rothwell often has to fire several combinations of colors before arriving at the perfect blend needed. This is something that just takes time. The color of the glaze that comes out of the jar usually does not look like the fired color. To match these colors takes much trial and error testing. In her mosaics she uses as many as 18 colors of grout in her finished work, which is also amazing.
She is presently not represented by a gallery and sells her work out of her studio. The best way to contact her is through her business email: mossrothwell@cox.net
If you have ever experienced ORBS, you may like to see this unique photo of some taken by Ginny Moss Rothwell titled “Is Anybody There?” She seems to have a knack for “calling them” into her photos.
Orb photo by Ginny Moss Rothwell...Is There Anybody There?
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January 9th, 2010 on 8:29 am
Wow, beautiful work indeed. Would love to see them in person.
I have a lot of orb photos as well, some from performances with the Goddess masks I used to circulate. I am not surprised at all that spiritual beings come to visit this lovely, spiritual work!
January 9th, 2010 on 4:45 pm
Thanks Lauren for appreciating this artist’s passion. This work definitely needs to be seen in person to realize the accomplishment of the details in fired ceramics. In regard to the ORBS this artist has sent me many more pictures of Orbs and seems to have a knack for calling them in somehow “whatever” they are. I think I am going to do an article in the future asking for viewers to send in their Orb photos and their opinions of just what they are. Lots of theories out there.
January 18th, 2010 on 9:49 am
I want to thank Lauren for her lovely words and also for being the first to comment.
I would also like to give a very sincere thanks to you Charles for writing such a wonderful article on my work. I so appreciate that you realize how much time and effort goes into this type of art. I am a fan of your amazing ceramic art too and the ability you have to give the world a smile. It’s very healing.
January 11th, 2010 on 9:02 pm
Great article about a great artist. However, this only concentrates on her recent work. That which she did based on Ted DeGrazia’s work is equally enjoyable.
January 18th, 2010 on 9:33 am
Ron has written books on DeGrazia Collectible Figurines and is a wealth of knowledge in that area. I have recently added a section on my website called the “DeGrazia Connection” for those interested in reading about it. It includes articles from that time about my DeGrazia dolls and some photos. I was with DeGrazia and a few others on the famous horseback ride into the Superstition Mountains in 1976 where DeGrazia burned some of his paintings to protest inheritance taxes. Thanks for your comments Ron. It brought back lots of memories.
January 16th, 2010 on 6:59 pm
My cousin Ginny has always been so artistically talented. I have admired her work all my life. I still have the hand knitted teddy bear she made me when we were children. Her mosaics are breath taking and I’ve seen most of them in person when I visit her beautiful home and gardens which are also breathtaking! I know this is just the beginning of many great things for my Quan Yin Ginn, beautiful from the inside out “angel” cousin. Namaste’,Bon
January 18th, 2010 on 9:53 am
Bon, I love the name you have given me. You are the angel. I am so fortunate to have you in my life. Love you.
January 17th, 2010 on 10:49 am
This is one multi-talented lady. I can remember walking into her house and seeing the bust of DeGrazia that she had done and was really blown away. And now her mosaics are absolutely awesome. You really need to check them out.
January 18th, 2010 on 9:59 am
I appreciate your comments Kayleen. Thank you for telling other people about my art and for sending them to the Tucson Museum of Art when I’m there exhibiting my work.
January 17th, 2010 on 12:58 pm
I have a small mosaic of Ginny’s featuring dragonflies and glowing flowers against a dark blue sky. I never get tired of looking at it!
January 18th, 2010 on 10:03 am
Thanks for your support Maribeth and thanks for commenting. It gives me great pleasure when my mosaics make people happy.
January 18th, 2010 on 2:56 am
I have travelled with Ginny and experienced how she looks at places and people and quietly absorbs what is special about them. To interpret this knowledge into works of art of such an unusual nature is truly astounding. It is has to be seen.
January 18th, 2010 on 9:17 am
Thanks Wendy for commenting on my work. Wendy is my good friend from England, although I hear she is commenting from sunny Spain. We have had a wonderful friendship for years and many adventures traveling through the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva in Uzbekistan and later Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. She has inspired and encouraged me in so many ways. Her upbeat nature and sense of humor are a real gift. I have written about Wendy in my website under the heading “About The Artist”. Wendy is a life coach in England and has written a book called “Never Die Wondering”. You should check out her website: http://www.wendyknee.tv . Her message is that you can do anything you want to do.
January 18th, 2010 on 10:16 am
Wendy’s website has been changed to http://www.wendyknee.com .
January 18th, 2010 on 10:18 pm
I really enjoyed seeing the unfinished/work in progress. It is always interesting to see an artist’s I really enjoyed seeing the unfinished/works in progress. It is always interesting to see an artist’s approach/methods. The finished product is breathtaking. Wonderful use of color contrasts for depth.
January 21st, 2010 on 1:45 pm
I’m happy you enjoyed seeing the unfinished works and that you liked the colors. I think the colors are why I love working with tile so much. You can get such a wide variation by mixing and layering them. The results are sometimes unpredictable too. I mix different brands that “they” tell you not to mix. Just tell me I can’t and I will–ha! That is part of the excitement. You never know what you’re going to actually pull out of the kiln after they’re fired. Thanks for commenting Heather.
January 20th, 2010 on 9:33 am
Fabulous. I only hope it will not be long before Ginny has an exhibition of her unique Mozaics in the UK where the art world badly needs rejuvenating! Meanwhile congratulationsto Ginny and thanks to Tucson Arts.
January 21st, 2010 on 1:19 pm
If this is my friend Peter S. in Surrey England, thank you very much for your kind words Peter. I met Peter in 1988 in Kathmandu, Nepal when my late husband was working as a consultant on an irrigation project. My husband had scheduled a day trip for me to travel to nearby Patan, a village where the bronzes are cast. Since sculpture and bronze-casting were my first love, I wanted desperately to go, but I was a little bit timid about going alone. Peter was nice enough to volunteer to go with me on his break. It was so interesting to see the process. Molds for the wax figures were made of cow dung and straw! They used rags to handle the hot metal instead of gloves! When we returned to Kathmandu, Peter gave me a book to read called “Serpentine”. I was young and naive and trusting back then and he could see that I needed to read it. It was about a charismatic man traveling around Nepal and other places, taking advantage of tourists—drugging them, taking their money and then murdering them. It scared me enough to be careful when traveling. Thanks Peter. So when I meet someone in an exotic country with a sly look on his face, I think, “What would Peter do?” Peter has worked in many exotic countries including Bhutan and has fascinating stories to tell. I have kept in touch with Peter and his wife June all these years, and I cherish their friendship. A side note: after returning to the U.S., I sent some proper bonze-casting gloves back to my bronze-casting friends in Patan with a friend from Tucson who was traveling to Nepal. They probably didn’t need them, but I felt better. For those interested, I have just added a few pages on my website http://www.mossrothwellfineart.com with photos of some of the beautiful places I’ve traveled, which were inspirational to me and my artwork past, present and future.
January 22nd, 2010 on 12:31 pm
Yes indeed, this is the faithful admirer of all the work, copies of which June and I have been lucky enough to receive over the years, and of the artist herself, and who remembers so well being so fortunate to accompany such a charming, knowledgeable and beautiful young lady, for that day in Kathmandu! But I had not realized then what talent that young artist possessed, which I am sure will continue to captivate us all. I realize now, however, from your website, how much of your varied work I have not yet appreciated, for instance, your wildlife photography. Thank you dear Ginny, with love from us both.
January 22nd, 2010 on 10:15 pm
Wow Peter—I think now my head is twice the size. Actually, I am sometimes a bit secretive with my talents when I travel. I am most often finding pleasure in the art of other people and taking it all in. While you and Geoff were slaving away at your work, I was either exploring Kathmandu on foot enjoying the sights, sounds and smells (just kidding about the smells), or in the hotel room painting watercolors. I don’t think I have ever shown them to anyone. I was experimenting with different techniques. It was my ”method of remembering what I saw. Thanks for mentioning my photography. I hope you saw the new gallery of photos I created in my website with the photos I took in the Galapagos Islands. This link will take you directly to that page. http://www.mossrothwellfineart.com/gallery/23263/Animals . I’ve always been a fan of iguanas. I was in heaven with those gorgeous land and marine iguanas and spent many hours “being” with them. It was an absolutely amazing experience to be in a place where animals aren’t afraid. What a freedom to walk about them and observe. I will be using my “iguana models” in upcoming mosaics soon. In my mind’s eye, I can see those textured tiles and exotic glazes. Thanks again for all you said about me and for your friendship
January 27th, 2010 on 12:12 pm
Evidently not only in the Galapagos Islands viz the photo of your intrepid cat, sitting in front of a tiger! This reminds me of a little hotel in AddisAbaba in the days of the Emperor and self-styled Lion Of Judah. There, a sleepy lion sat in a small yard, contained on one side by a large glass panel, with a little dog between his front paws, and everytime one passed the glass panel the dog ran to it, barked furiously and then returned to sit between his master’s paws. Your sleepy cat, however, was wearing a woolly hat!
January 20th, 2010 on 10:10 am
It’s wonderful to see that Ginny is getting the attention she so deserves. Not only is she an extraordinary talent, she is a wonderful person. It seems that her inner beauty finds its way into her work.
January 21st, 2010 on 2:18 pm
Thank you Susan. What a beautiful thing to say. I’m touched.
January 20th, 2010 on 2:48 pm
Even when viewed on screen the colour and construction is breathtaking. I would love to see these beautiful mosaics in person. Ginny Rothwell is a very talented and versatile artist and it’s fascinating to see the inspiration from the many countries she’s visited shine through.
January 21st, 2010 on 1:53 pm
Thanks Beverly. Yes, there was inpiration around every corner in the countries I’ve been. I was so fortunate to be able to “see”. I loved the peoples I met, the buildings covered in mosaic tile and the breathtaking landscapes. If you have a moment, go onto my website to see the photos of the people and places in the new galleries I have recently made. I have many ideas yet to explore using some of these memories.
January 21st, 2010 on 2:16 pm
Beverly, I forgot to mention that I have been showing my work at the Tucson Museum Of Art Craft Markets in the Spring and Fall the last few years. I have no definite plans for this year, but I will mention it on my website when I know.
January 21st, 2010 on 6:14 pm
I have always considered myself pretty lucky to be surrounded by two expressive artists. Ginny is my long time neighbor and the other artist, my late husband Elden “Mat” Mathews.
Ginny is committed to her art, she pushes limits, and is very inventive. She fires her own tiles and has the patience to precisely cut the tiles to create her outstanding mosaics.
We are both “backyard birders.” Many enjoyable hours are spent observing the birds that fly in and the “critters” that make it home. Ginny uses these times as periods of inspiration.
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:33 pm
I always thought I must have won the lottery of life to have been “placed” next door to the Mathews family. We are like complimentary colors on a color wheel. Mat, or Elden Mathews as he’s known in the art world, was a brilliant artist, sculptor and educator. He was loved and admired by his students at Tucson High. A survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, Mat completed a number of sculptures in clay and steel displaying the insanity of the battle, which have been exhibited internationally as well as other of his works. He was always very supportive of my art and was there to lend a tool and to answer many a technical question about art as well as philosophical questions about life. Darlene is fun, easygoing and positive in nature. She and I are very in tune with our backyard birds. Luckily, our woodpeckers live in her tree and I have a front row view of them from my yard. We love them though and thoroughly enjoy communicating with them and watching the “little ones” emerge every year.
January 22nd, 2010 on 11:05 am
I met Ginny years ago in Tashkent and had a wonderful time walking around the city and through the open markets with her. She has such energy and curiosity, and a human warmth that reaches out to everyone she meets. I find her mosaics fascinating and have been looking at the Jewel in the Lotus just now. It’s the kind of picture you want to keep looking at. You keep finding new things that draw your eye, and that’s just in a photograph of the mosaic. I hope that I can see it ‘in the stone’ sometime soon. You’re amazing, Ginny!
January 22nd, 2010 on 9:08 pm
Thanks for the great compliments Jane. Jane resides in Bristol, England, but has traveled extensively with her husband David in his work to many exotic places I have not seen. It was so nice to have someone with your excellent sense of humor and taste in friends–ha–to share the exploration of Tashkent. We did cover a lot of territory both on foot and in the intricately mosaic-tiled underground subways. The goverment didn’t allow me to take photos in the underground, or I would have. They were gorgeous, and yet another inspiration for my mosaics. Loved the open markets and the people we met, and so enjoyed the Tashkent Ballet. Did I ever tell you I saw Swan Lake 13 times? I hope you will write a book about your travels. You have a real talent for writing.
January 22nd, 2010 on 1:58 pm
I have known Ginny for many years and her talent is just unbelievable. These mosaics show how talented she is. I have a small bronze of Ginny’s and it is one of my most precious pieces of art. I am looking forward to seeing Ginny’s most recent endevours when I visit Tucson.
January 22nd, 2010 on 7:58 pm
Thanks for your words of encouragement Carol. The support of you and other friends is what has made me want to do more. Ah, memories. Carol has reminded me more than once about times I used to come into work with blisters on my hands caused by exposure to grout. I was wearing gloves, but the sharp edges of the tile would cut them and grout would seep in to do it’s naughty deed. I would be too engrossed in my project to notice, or to stop and change them. I try to be more careful now.
January 22nd, 2010 on 4:55 pm
I have known Ginny since our college days at the University of Utah. I am in awe with her mosiacs. I know what ever project she does, she puts all her heart and soul into it. She is an extremely talented lady and is well over due for being reconized for all her multiple talents. I wish you all the best and can’t wait to see some of your latest project in person.
January 22nd, 2010 on 8:14 pm
Hi Babs!!! Yeah, we go back some years. We were both studying Fashion Merchandising at the U.of U. and on the sidelines exploring our mutual interests in arts and crafts. We even traveled to Hawaii a few times together when we were very young. Hmmm…I think I’m having an idea for a new mosaic.
January 23rd, 2010 on 9:43 am
An incredibly talented artist whose work deserves to be shared with the world. Each piece of art is unique and has a story to tell. Ginny is a very special person and I want her work to get the recognition it deserves.
January 26th, 2010 on 10:09 am
My husband and I have a mosaic of Ginny’s which we commisioned several years ago. It is of tropical birds and flowers. We absolutely love it; but it pales beside her current work which is beyond spectacular. She is a fabulous artist.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:03 pm
My daughter and I had the good fortune of stumbling upon one of Tucson’s treasures as we began selling Girl Scout Cookies in our neighborhood. We have seen Ginny’s mosaics, sculptures, photos and her animal inspirations over the past four years and count ourselves lucky to have been invited in by our \mosaic lady\ to see her work. We have been awed by the incredible detail she puts into her work. We are also impressed at how she is able to combine glazes onto a single tile to create faces with exquisite beauty, shading, and detail. My favorite (and my son’s) is the Mountain Lion Spirit, but my daughter loves the Mockingbird Spirit. Although the photos of her work are incredible, they pale in comparison to seeing her art in person. Each year we look forward to seeing what is new. Thank you, Ginny, for sharing with us. You are incredible both as an artist and a person.
February 3rd, 2010 on 5:04 pm
My daughter and I had the good fortune of stumbling upon one of Tucson’s treasures as we began selling Girl Scout Cookies in our neighborhood. We have seen Ginny’s mosaics, sculptures, photos and her animal inspirations over the past four years and count ourselves lucky to have been invited in by our \mosaic lady\ to see her work. We have been awed by the incredible detail she puts into her work. We are also impressed at how she is able to combine glazes onto a single tile to create faces with exquisite beauty, shading, and detail. My favorite (and my son’s) is the mountain lion mosaic, but my daughter loves the Jewel in the Lotus. Although the photos of her work are incredible, they pale in comparison to seeing her art in person. Each year we look forward to seeing what is new. Thank you, Ginny, for sharing with us. You are incredible both as an artist and a person.
February 4th, 2010 on 6:08 pm
Hi Susan. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I always enjoy showing you and Callie my latest mosaics every year. I’m fortunate to have such a great audience. I’m looking forward to helping Callie and her Girl Scout troop on her upcoming mosaic project. That should be lots of fun.