Olde World Mosaic Arts Artist

"My mosaic style is inspired by history, classic architecture, and the
exploration of other cultures; the influence of more classical mosaic styles
is readily apparent in my work. After ten years working in the medium, I am
introducing more diverse imagery and seeking to transition to other
materials and styles of mosaic. My interest in shaping tesserae has helped
me foster my own style, and the pallet and material I have chosen to work
with have also contributed to this perspective. I am satisfied with the
continued progression of my work, but hope to experiment more with the
medium in the future. My influences include Martin Cheek, Orsoni and
Charles M. Russell.

I also appreciate the adaptability of mosaics, as well as the timeless quality
of the medium and the array of cultural connections. As a tile setter, I also
appreciate the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient mosaic artists. The
magnificent works of centuries-old mosaic being salvaged and restored
around the world today are testaments to their knowledge and expertise. I
feel as though mosaics are as relevant today as they have been over the
centuries, and the fact that they offer both aesthetic beauty as well as
structural viability is a great motivator."

James Turner is a Montana native and self-taught mosaicist who, after
graduating from the University of Montana in 1995, started working in the
medium in 1996. His work has appeared in Mosaics for the First Time published
in 2004, and he has been a member of the Capital City Public Market in Boise,
Idaho since 1998. As an avid traveler and self proclaimed "Europhile" and
"Citizen of the World", he hopes to someday study mosaic in Ravenna and to
continue his exploration of the history- and culture-rich European continent. He
very much enjoys the study of World War II history, and this gives him yet
another reason to visit places like the United Kingdom, Holland, Belgium,
Germany, and beyond. He also enjoys teaching mosaic to new students, and
has met many friends through his instruction. He spends time volunteering for
the Veterans History Project, Art Under the Stars, and Anti-Racist Action. He
likes to fly-fish and currently resides in Boise, Idaho, USA.

"I feel that the craft of
skillfully manipulating a
given material by hand
harkens back to an era
when "mastery of material"
and artisanship were
paramount, arts in
themselves, and trades
worth learning and
teaching. Coupled with
creative ideas and sound
structural knowledge a
command of material can
lead to great things."