This is a profile view of a life size phrenology head: a two-dimensional shaped wall panel made in mosaic from bold, colourful, historical recycled ceramic tableware depicting detailed images of flora, fauna, gardening tools, insects and a world map, the ear is given added depth by employing the handle of an old tea cup.
Length 2.5 cm
Width 38 cm
Height 32 cm
© Carmel King photos
© Photo Article Studio
© Cleo Mussi
© Carmel King photos
Cleo Mussi
- Mosaic maker
- Stroud, United Kingdom
- Master Artisan
© Ben Wright
Breakers for makers
- • Cleo uses repurposed ceramic tableware
- • Her pieces are full of life
- • Her work is fun but deadly serious
Surrounded by a visual riot of colour and pattern, Cleo Mussi creates ceramic mosaics with an evocative sense of narrative. Cleo has huge drive and an unwavering work ethic, likely inherited from her great grandfather who owned a successful chocolate business, garage and hairdresser. She is self-taught and has developed a personal, distinctive style. Her work is a celebration of ceramic tradition in the UK, reusing discarded pieces which have their origins in iconic factories such as Wedgwood, Burleigh, Stafford or Royal Worcester. Each piece has a story and a history, she aims to balance humour with a keen sense of insight, bringing to life what would otherwise be materials destined for landfill.
Read the full interviewWorks
Photo: © Cleo Mussi
Phrenological Head Gardener with label
Photo: © Cleo Mussi
Strange Fruit Branches
These four leafy floral branches are two-dimensional shaped vertical wall panels in rich greens, blues, pinks and reds made in mosaic from bold, colourful historical and recycled ceramic tableware depicting details of flora, fauna, stars and insects. Each branch topped with an additional larger icon of either a bird, a hand, a small face or a winged spotty red heart.
Length 2.5 cm
Width 24 cm
Height 55 cm
Photo: © Cleo Mussi
Hot Dog
This life size shaped dog appears bouncy and starry eyed, mad and excited. It is white with bold black spots. The two dimensional shaped wall mounted panel made in mosaic from recycled ceramic tableware with details of text from ceramic back stamps.
Length 2.5 cm
Width 80 cm
Height 52 cm
Photo: © Cleo Mussi
Hands Holding a Winged Heart
In this two dimensional shaped wall mounted panel a life size pair of hands are holding up a winged flying red heart, mainly in white with lustred gold. It is made in mosaic from recycled ceramic tableware with details of text and patterns and ceramic back stamps.
Length 2.5 cm
Width 36 cm
Height 20 cm
Photo: © Cleo Mussi
Love Spoons
These three life size love spoons, shaped with faces and the striped handles depict hands holding bouquets, mainly white with green, blue and red heart lips and tea cup ears. Two-dimensional, these wall mounted panels are made in mosaic from recycled historical ceramic tableware with multi coloured floral details and text.
Length 2.5 cm
Width 16 cm
Height 61 cm
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