October 17, 2024 (Exmore, Virginia) — New Ravenna, America’s premier designer and manufacturer of mosaics for residential and commercial installations, is pleased to introduce Otto, a fine art mosaic in glass, inspired by the ancient, mythological octopus. The 182 square foot mosaic is a testament to the brilliant hues and elegant movements of the eight footed sea creature.
Otto is a reflective surface glowing within a sea of tumbled matte navy glass, which emulates the ocean depths. With roaming tentacles, Otto creates the illusion of movement. Octopuses move quickly, with a mesmerizing ability to change their color and texture. Designer, Jacquelyn Bizzotto captured this vibrancy, subtly blending 24 colors of jewel glass, with accents of 24k gold. For the first time, copper glass from Italy has been used by New Ravenna, in a nod to octopuses’ blue-colored blood derived from copper. The spectrum of hues together creates a fluid, watery realm. Five master mosaicists, led by Marcie McComb, created Otto entirely by hand, shaping thousands of pieces of glass and arranging them individually.
Jacquelyn Bizzotto expands on her design process, “Octopus tentacles are remarkably flexible and exhibit a wide range of movement. To capture this, I emphasized curving lines and thoughtful placement. Each tentacle features a unique pattern reflecting its position in the mosaic. Together the tentacles span 12 ft. from left to right. I also incorporated bold, striking colors—a hallmark of modern design—to give the artwork a fresh, stylized look while still respecting the natural forms of the octopus. The inspiration for the color palette stemmed from the emotional and symbolic meanings associated with different colors. Orange evokes warmth and vibrancy, while blue suggests calmness and mystery. The color palette creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience, drawing viewers into the artwork while maintaining a familiarity that we associate with the intriguing octopus.”
Otto is a hand-nipped mosaic that can be customized in color, size, and design for an installation indoors or out. The nautical nature of the design lends itself to yacht interiors, fountains, and swimming pools. In mythology the octopus is considered a guardian, protecting sailors and helping them navigate through perilous waters.
The mosaics in the San Marco collection are handcrafted by the artisans at New Ravenna and can be installed on walls and floors, indoors and outside. New Ravenna mosaics are available at showrooms throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Media contact: JoAnn Locktov, Bella Figura Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 415-847-6374