Julie Vernon’s mosaic panels ripple with implied movement and subtle variations of materials and hues, skilfully combining vitreous glass, ceramic, vintage porcelain, natural marble and even slate.
We asked Julie: What is it that gives your work its unique signature? I work with a wide mix of materials from glass and ceramic through to natural marble and slate, often incorporating unique reclaimed finds. The combining of materials gives the work its unique signature. I largely work freehand in an abstract style guided by the shape and form of materials, creating texture, pattern and a sense of movement. The blending and layering of tones in a single colour base also feature heavily in my work. Every artwork is an original piece and can never be replicated exactly.
How did you make this new work? In this new collection I hand-cut unglazed porcelain tiles and marble into strands, using the uneven cut surface to create texture. Each piece is individually positioned in a lightweight cement bed to create a natural flow and pattern. I combine this with sea tumbled beach ceramic and rocks I discover from my travels across Great Britain.
Where did your inspiration come from? ‘Natural Beach White’ is inspired by nature and my walks along the British coastline during lockdown. It reflects calmness and serenity as I foraged for beach ceramic finds to incorporate into new work, escaping the day to day uncertainties. I often choose to work in a monochromatic colour palette, exploring the different tones of a single colour through texture and pattern. I was also drawn to the protective and shielding nature of a circular shape, containing that within safe. The Natural collection is framed in a handcrafted birch frame suiting the neutral colour palette and minimal feel of this work. There are two colour themes – Beach White and Grey Rock.
Works shown: Wall art pieces: Lunar White, Natural Rock Grey, Natural Beach White, Reclaimed Green Vespa, Reclaimed Blue Vespa, White Drift. Photos by maker and by Yeshen Venema, the latter styled by Jessica Jung.