Interview with Martin Cheek - Part 3

Martin Cheek teaches mosaic art courses in the UK and around the world so it's apparent that he runs into artists from all backgrounds and skill levels. He also judges the mosaic art challenges on CMA, a social networking website for mosaic artists. 


Being in the midst of all that creative energy must be interesting. I asked Martin about it and about his opinion of the "mosaic is art" debate that routinely circulates on the social networking sites.

Lion Resting, 30cm x 42cm © Martin Cheek
 

What have you learned from another mosaic artist recently?

Dunno.

I like setting judging the competitions / challenges on CMA. It never fails to amaze me how the same brief can be interpreted in so many different ways! I love the way that everyone has their own style and that I can instantly recognize – say an Irit Levy or Christine Brailler piece.

What is your opinion on the "mosaic is fine art" debate? Do you feel like the mosaic community has something to prove?
 
I feel that the more we bang on about it the worse it gets, as though we have something to prove.  As Shakespeare puts it, “The lady doth protest too much, methinks!” (Hamlet Act 3, Scene 2)

I don’t think that artists make such distinctions. It’s usually art critics who feel the need to say something, however misguided and banal, in order to meet their deadlines and fill up their column inches.

Stay tuned for part 4 (the final post in the interview!) In the meantime, read Part 1 and Part 2.