About The Mosaic Guy, Steve Terlizzese

I am Steve Terlizzese (tur LEE zee, rhymes with "easy"), a virtual pioneer in the modern mosaic art movement. Yes, I am famous-- just not "rich and famous"... I can be categorized as a "folk artist", since 1) I am self-taught, and 2) I use found objects in my work. but unlike traditional folk art, which tends to be rustic (or rusty), my work is shiny, sleek and more refined. Some call me an "assemblage artist", but I call myself a "visionary collage mosaic artist". I exhibit my work at the finest fine art, fine craft and folk art festivals in the United States.

Because of my vibrant relationship with God, every one of my mosaic collages are designed with a message of hope, whimsy and encouragement, although most of my art is not overtly "religious."

All the art is created by me, Steve, although I do employ a part-time studio assistant who helps me with the non-artistic (grunt) work, and also on "grout day". I build the grandfather clocks, hall trees and sculptural pieces from scratch, and no two are alike in shape or design.

I also load the truck, drive it to shows, unload the truck, set up the display, sell the art, re-pack the truck, etc. Maybe someday I will have a "roadie"...

I make it my goal to create art that is beautiful, thoughtful, whimsical and spiritual, borne out of my intimate love for God and (increasing) love for my fellow humans.

Why not see some of the art I have in stock, or see how I can customize a piece just for you?

Best of Show (3D)
> ArtFest
(Fort Myers, FL)
2002
> Sunfest
(West Palm Beach, FL) 2000
> Bayfest
(Corpus Christi, TX)
1994

Award of Excellence
> Art Fest Fort Myers
(Florida)
2001
> Mainsail Art Fest
(St. Petersburg, FL)
2001
> Syracuse Art Festival
(Syracuse, NY)
1999, 2000, 2001
> Corn Hill
(Rochester, NY)
1999, 2000

Cover artists for
Sunshine Artist Magazine
> The #1 artists' magazine in the U.S.; March, 1998

Award of Distinction
> Beaux Arts Festival
(University of Miami)
1999, 2000
> Meet me Downtown
(Boca Raton)
1997, 1998

Award of Merit
> Mainsail
(St. Petersburg, FL)
2000

Purchase Awards
> Kentuck Folk Art Festival
(Tuscaloosa, AL)
1999, 2000
> Beaux Arts Festival
(University of Miami)
1999, 2000

My mosaic pieces have been featured in two books about mosaic design. My former wife and I also were contributing authors in one of the books. Click on the image of the book to order your own copy.

Mosaic Techniques & Traditions:
Projects & Designs from Around the World
(2003, Sonia King)

This is the largest, most comprehensive "coffee table" mosaic book ever written. Bursting with hundreds of pictures of the finest mosaics in the world. It would not have been complete without one of Steve's monumental hall trees....

Average Amazon.com Customer Review:

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Making Mosaics
(1998, Leslie Dierks)
The dozen projects here will introduce first-time mosaicists to the art; designed by professionals, each work includes elaborate instructions, pattern (if appropriate), color photographs, and artists' tips. Four of Steve's art works are displayed in this book. Steve also co-authored the section entitled "making a mosaic mirror."

"This has been the single most inspiring book I've read on mosaic."
- Barbara Harmony, reader from Fresno, CA.

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The Art of Mosaic Design
(1999, JoAnne Locktav)
An impressive portfolio of artists working with mosaics in glass, ceramic, stone, and mixed media. This "coffee table" art book features two of Steve's pieces.

"Finally, a contemporary book of just beautiful mosaics from around the country, and some from around the world." - June Edmonds, reader from Los Angeles, CA

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