Aljaž Vidrajz

Mosaic maker

Every tessera matters

Aljaz defines mosaic as a perpetual play of light, colours, reflections and materials
To him, mosaic making is a kind of meditation
He loves to pick and combine the right materials

Aljaž Vidrajz studied architecture, and soon realised that he needed more creativity and more hands-on work. After finishing the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Spilimbergo in Italy, one of the most respected schools of mosaic, he produced a replica of a Roman mosaic. He installed it on his kitchen wall. From replicas to mosaic interpretation of photographies and paintings, mosaic tables and house numbers to artworks of contemporary mosaic, Aljaž creates the power of the message piece by piece, tessera after tessera. In his work he develops the play of shadows, reflections, textures and colours. The result is an image that urges the observer to see it as a whole and at the same time invites to peer at the details and mosaic structures. "Mosaic is a technique that does not know shortcuts and requires time," says Aljaž, who puts at least one special tessera in every mosaic composition he makes.

Interview

Why did you choose this craft?: Ever since I can remember, I wanted to work with my hands. After struggling to find the right education, mosaic finally crossed my path and awakened my passion. I was inspired to bring knowledge of mosaic back to Slovenia and educate people about the therapeutic effect of this technique. My goal was to awaken creativity and use my knowledge to help preserve our cultural heritage.
What do you love most about your profession?: Every part of the working process is important. I love to pick and combine the right materials. I put special effort into this part. I love cutting perfect tessere with a martellina (mosaic hammer) – I feel like it is an extension of my body. When I do mosaic, time flows differently.
What are your sources of inspiration?: In most cases the materials speak to me. By finding the right materials, by delving into the basic elements of mosaic – tesserae, the images under my fingers start to assemble themselves. Of course, it is different with commission work. At that time, I take the wishes into account, but I always want to improve them with my sense of aesthetic and rich technical knowledge.
What aspects of your work are little known?: Mosaic is not the same as trencadis. Mosaics are made out of marble, glass or wisely selected other materials. Trencadis is made of broken ceramic tiles. But there are all sorts of materials that you can use in modern mosaic. I use the same tools as the Romans did. It takes up to 600 hours to finish a peice of work. When you do mosaic, you practise mindfulness.

Aljaž Vidrajz are master artisans: they began their career in 2010 and they started teaching in 2010