Mosaic Brick Murals and Snow Steps

While searching information for a post, I happened upon artist Charis Tsevis, via Creative Boom, who creates the most interesting African portrait murals using digitally-painted, mosaic bricks. These colorful blocks are comprised of various African patterns with references to African culture. You would think all the patterns would render an image flat or make it appear discombobulating but the portraits have amazing depth and come alive with color.

The murals were created for Sasi’s, his wife’s family’s African restaurant in Athens, Greece and are printed over a textured plywood to give further dimension.

The murals depict every day life events in various African tribes, including the Zulus — the very tribe for which a famous New Orleans Krewe is named and that was mentioned during recent Mardi Gras festivities.

The murals pay tribute to the artist’s deep affection for Africa and its constant inspiration.

Beyond these beautiful pieces hanging in Sasi’s, there are many well-known clients who also appreciate Tsevis’ artwork.

Going full spectrum in the other direction with absence of color and change in temperature, there are two snow artists getting attention making their own detailed murals but, step by step by step. Too bad their artwork doesn’t last longer than the cold weather, however.

It is interesting to see these artists’ different styles.

 It’s a lot of extra shoveling but Semen Bukharin, a Russian Janitor, creates lovely snow murals with a shovel (via Mother Nature Network).

Many of the murals are whimsical, yet intricate, using folk depictions taken from Russian and Nordic references as well as even an African Safari.

Another style of snow murals can be seen in British snow-artist Simon Beck’s geometric, snow murals on Powder Mountain, Utah. He creates elaborate “snowflakes” with footprints using snow shoes, as described on the Standard Examiner.

It may seem less arduous than shoveling but there’s a lot of ground to cover and walking in the snow is a workout. Fortunately, he has some helpers above!

Be sure to click this video from Digg to hear a snippet directly from Simon Beck about his murals, see his process and some other beautiful ones that he’s stepped in snow.

PS: As this post publishes today, this story about Simon Beck is receiving global attention. Here are two more on Colossal and Daily Mail, which shows how he’s been able to monetize his snow murals = smart!