Ruth Minola Scheibler, also known by her moniker and studio space MOZAIKON, is a mosaics-focused artist based in Palma de Mallorca. “I love the connotation of something eternal mosaics have, and the repetition it involves,” she tells TROBAT. Born in Germany with an education in fine art, Ruth opened her first studio for contemporary mosaic research in Venice in 2007, and has shown in group exhibition spaces throughout Europe in the intervening years. Read Ruth’s interview with Trobat and shop her exclusive collection of pieces on trobat.co below
I have always been intrigued by Indigenous art forms and traditional craftsmanship. I went to study classical mosaic techniques in Italy 20 years ago and it’s what I’m still drawn to even though I’ve been experimenting and developing my own contemporary approach ever since. I love the connotation of something eternal mosaics have, and the repetition it involves. The possibilities are just endless, and the results are always mesmerizing. Tiny pieces that form a whole—just as our universe is built.
Surrounded by musicians, artisans, and artists in my family I have always been exposed to artistic ways of expression. After my studies, I had some work experiences where I had the opportunity to take part in very technical crafts, such as long periods of restoration and floor-making. I believe in true craftsmanship, and I’m very passionate about the different techniques and the beauty of the materials. But my heart beats for the tangible ‘uselessness’, the storytelling, the surrealism, the transcendental force I know art can have. I think to be an artist is a decision you make at a certain point and then there is no return. It may be very challenging at some points, but I also feel very lucky to be able to do what makes me happy.
Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Nikki de Saint Phalle, Agnes Martin, Emma Kunz, Max Ernst, Olafur Eliasson, Laurie Anderson, and Mary Bauermeister.
My current studio is located in an enchanting backyard in Palma Old Town, and I just adore the space. It has a lot of history; it is small but very peaceful and I share it with a ceramist. We have a working space each, an exhibition space together and all that sunny quiet backyard. The doors are always open to everyone.
All my cousins from the maternal side—there are 16 of us plus partners and kids and the connection is real. It would be outside during summer in a habitat of fireflies, with some colourful and carefully arranged vegetarian dishes, good wine and live music.
‘Spending the War Without You’, the 6 Norton lectures by Laurie Anderson have been the biggest treasure this year for me. She just blows my mind every single time. I read ‘All about love’ by bell hooks, who just left our planet, and can recommend it for some timeless principles and a very up to date definition of the necessity of love as a concept of compassion in our human community. Also ‘You Were Born For This’ by Chani Nicholas—very fresh writing about a way to use astrology as a tool for active self-discovery.
An acrobat.
Gemini! Well, partially haha.