Artists' Statement

We have always been fascinated with the subtleties of the natural world, from ancient veins swirling through a block of marble to the textured wood grain in a cross-cut of oak. This deep respect for the uniqueness and individuality of materials led us to develop mosaics with near-photographic image quality known as "ExactMosaic" artworks.

The photo-realism of these innovative mosaics is achieved by arranging the natural color variation within each stone or wood tile. After selecting a subject image, we photograph thousands of tiles that are made from natural materials. Next, we use custom developed technology to help us evaluate the shape, texture, and colors within each tile and then we hand-place the tiles to compose the larger image. As a result, the finished mosaic is singularly unique and cannot be duplicated. Moreover, unlike paintings and photographs that fade and deteriorate with time, our Exactmosaic artworks are timeless and enduring.

Our artworks touch many artistic themes: First, these Exactmosaics capture the beauty of individuality. The natural features and imperfections in each tile are vitally important in composing the larger picture. In this sense, each tile adds to the beauty of the collective because of its individual uniqueness. Secondly, our Exactmosaics defy traditional art categories. They are both classical and post-modern in technique. They are abstract and impressionistic when viewed up close and yet they are detailed and realistic when viewed from afar. They are not exclusively decorative art, photography, or computer science. Rather, they are a combination of all three disciplines.

Finally, these Exactmosaic artworks are another example of technology allowing artists to transcend human limitations. Ancient mosaic artists could not have achieved the photorealism of an Exactmosaic piece because they faced human limitations of the mind. Indeed, a Roman mosaic artist would have needed perfect visual recall of several thousand stones to render the same level of detail. Our patent-pending process and technology allow us to achieve what was once impossible in mosaic art: we can bring complete order to the chaotic variation within natural materials.

Alan Roth and Nick Berg ©2007