Stunning Wall Mural by Vanessa and Danielle

Talented artist Vanessa Dalla Costa crafted a breathtaking mosaic masterpiece in collaboration with mural painter, Danielle Boodoo-Fortuné. This remarkable work of art commands attention and adds a dynamic presence to this commercial space, transforming it into a vibrant and visually engaging environment.

Vanessa utilizes Rapid Resizer to scale her designs efficiently, ensuring each mosaic creation is perfectly proportioned and meticulously detailed! You can find out more about this piece below, quoted from Vanessa’s Instagram.

Inspiration & Concept: The mosaic is a vibrant homage to the tropical landscapes and culture, capturing the spirit of the savannah. It features iconic elements such as the cannonball tree, Pouis, Macaws, and parrots, all set amidst a backdrop of lush tropical flowers and foliage. This piece also celebrates the local farming industry, with subtle tributes to coffee and cocoa, highlighting the connection to popular brand Starbucks.

Technique: The creation process deviates from traditional mosaic techniques, adopting a stained glass approach but with soft clay. Each piece is meticulously cut and shaped to fit its designated space. After the initial kiln firing at approximately 2000°F, the clay hardens, ready for the glaze application. Multiple layers of glaze are applied before a second firing, which permanently sets the colors and gives the mosaic its glossy finish. The final step involves assembling the thousands of fired pieces onto a mesh, creating a stunning and cohesive artwork ready for installation.

The process is challenging and rewarding, resulting in a piece that’s not only visually stunning but also has a story to tell. It’s a testament to the meticulous planning and creative vision that goes into such a collaborative piece.

This piece took 3.5 months from drawing to finish.

A very exhausted me after the scramble to change out something and install in 6 days, after hours.