Mosaics are nothing if not texture; it almost goes without saying that they epitomize both the visual and physical aspects of this quality. They are so undeniably tactile, I cannot help but imagine fondling their bumpy-smooth surfaces.

MB - Fabian Scaunich

Texture (thankfully) is re-gaining popularity in interior design, perhaps as a backlash to the slick minimalist interiors from a few years ago. Mosaics add a whole new level of liveliness to all sorts of surfaces, combining order and naturalness in a very appealing way. Mosaics are appearing everywhere – on floors, on splashbacks, on feature walls, and in the garden – anywhere you can think of, really!

Falena - Fabian Scaunich

lemons and capers - Fabian Scaunich

Fabian Scaunich was born in Australia to Italian migrant parents, and has spent much of his adult life living, studying and working between Italy and Australia.  After moving to Italy to study this ancient craft at the prestigious Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in northern Italy, Scaunich won a scholarship for his piece Bearded Man (truly, it is a stunning work!), and gained the title of Maestro Mosaicista.
Scaunich and his wife then returned to Australia to establish Mosaic Republic in the heart of Melbourne, a workshop and gallery dedicated to the craft. Besides a love for the beauty of mosaics, they wanted to establish a business built on a product that would last for generations. They state “We do not create fast-moving goods nor do our products end up in landfill. Our mosaics last lifetimes, retaining their allure for generations.” I could not agree more, this is definitely an ideal to strive towards!

bearded man - Fabian Scaunich

bearded man (detail) - Fabian Scaunich

They have selected works from all over the world to be represented in their gallery – artisans from Italy, France, Germany, and Slovenia contribute to their current catalogue. And fabulous work it is – some of those portraits are amazing! They also have still lifes, reinterpretations of Warhol and Schiele, abstracts, and more.

ghost - Fabian Scaunich

If you want to experience the mosaics in real life (by far the best way, I’d reckon!) you can find Mosaic Republic at 99 Queen St, Melbourne. You can also view their catalogue on the website – http://www.mosaicrepublic.com.au
Images and quotes provided courtesy of Sandi & Fabian Scaunich, thank you!