Phantom of the Deep

     This mosaic art piece depicts an octopus created from individually cut white stained glass contrasted against a dynamic oceanic background made of individually cut blue glass pieces. The background transitions from deep, dark blue at the bottom to lighter blue at the top, evoking a sense of depth and movement in the water, as if the viewer is looking up from the ocean floor toward the light above. The mosaic is spread across three wooden panels, giving it a triptych format that adds to its visual impact and a sense of flow across space.

     I used black grout in the water area to deepen the shadows and contrast, emphasizing the layered blues and making the background feel immersive. In contrast, the white grout used in the octopus allows the white stained glass pieces to stand out crisply, giving the creature a luminous, ghostlike presence. It’s almost as if it's emerging from the water or glowing against the sea.

     This piece symbolizes emergence, contrast, and adaptation. The octopus, often seen as a symbol of intelligence, flexibility, and mystery, appears to rise from the deep. Its ghostly white form against the vibrant, layered water could represent clarity or identity surfacing from complexity, or a presence that is both part of and distinct from its environment. The three-panel format may further suggest motion, transformation, or stages in a journey—mirroring the octopus’s fluidity and adaptability in nature.