For this episode of our subcultalks artist interview series, we had the honor to interview Bea Forner, a mosaicist from Cologne, Germany.
Bea is also the host of the "One by One" Mosaic Workshop and the "Love You To Pieces" Mosaic Workshop for Bachelor*ette Parties, both taking place at her private home and studio in Cologne Ehrenfeld.
Have a read to her answers below!
1. What’s the art you’re doing?
I am a mosaicist.
Mosaics have been around for thousands of years in almost all cultures and therefore exist in an incredible number of different variations.
I have developed the ability to depict a motif by putting together individual pieces so that I only work with old tiles, basement finds, broken and demolition tiles and I prefer to depict graphic motifs, such as logos and typography. The tile fragments become a kind of pixel, only that they are wild and unique.
I color the joint compound with pigments that match the motif, which gives the whole thing an even more intense effect.
2. How did you find your way into your art?
I worked as an interior designer for 12 years and had a workspace with an attached showroom where I refurbished, sold, and integrated vintage furniture into room concepts.
A pandemic, a breakup, a torn meniscus, and a workspace flood later, it was clear to me that I wanted to move on. A project in a kindergarten then allowed us to work with the children to design mosaics for the outdoor area of the facility.
I worked my way into the technology and was hooked. Since then, I've found my very own form of mosaic step by step and I'm constantly coming up with new ideas for projects... far too many at the moment!
3. What is the reason why you keep doing your art?
Because it makes me thoroughly happy. And, miraculously, others, too.
4. What is your personal highlight during your whole time working as an artist?
When I came into the concert hall at the opening concert of c/o Pop here in Cologne and saw my mosaic for the Crucchi Gang (which I love very much) standing in the middle of the stage.
5. When do you feel most productive?
When I'm excited about a motif, I sometimes work 15 or 16 hours a day and just can't and don't want to stop.
6. What inspires you most?
When I see a particularly beautiful type, my head immediately checks whether it is suitable for mosaic. And then I want to do the piece, too.
7. Do you have a vision or a goal you're working towards?
I want to "mosaic" all my favorite musicians. I’m getting there…
8. For you personally, what is a life well lived?
I often have moments when I think: I am so blessed. I have two great, healthy children, wonderful friends, a nice apartment in a great city in a safe country, I get to do this job that fulfills me...
I don’t have any great desires or waiting for anything. I'm happy when everyone sits around the table, we eat together, drink good wine, and laugh.
9. What do you do when you feel stuck?
Occurs very rarely. If so: Turn on the music and sing and dance loudly. This helps with everything.
10. How do you deal with setbacks?
If something doesn't work out, then in most cases I realize sooner or later that it was also good for something. I've been through a lot of crap, but if I didn't carry all of what I've experienced with me, I wouldn't be the person I am. And if something goes wrong - see above: Music on! I’m too optimistic to give up!
11. What’s your favorite feeling?
Pfffff…almost every feeling that completely consumes me is right at that moment. Love for someone or something is of course Top of the Pops. But sometimes anger is really good and can be there. Grief and pain are beautiful because they pass. I probably feel best when I feel right, truthful, and seen in a situation - what do you call that feeling?!
12. What’s the feeling you like the least?
Envy. I think it's complete shit. With me and with others.
13. What are you most afraid of?
That something would happen to my children. Or to me before they grow up.
14. When you can only listen to one song until the end of your life, which song would this be?
"Derfi di hebe" by Faber, Sophie Hunger and Dino Brandao. Sickly good! And at some point, I might understand the whole text...Watch it when it's gloomy and dark outside.
15. Your favorite guilty pleasure?
Ketchup.
Thanks for the time to answer all of our questions, Bea!
If you wanna meet Bea, create with her and learn from her, check out her availability for her Mosaic Workshops in Cologne in the upcoming months.
Hasta Pronto! :)
Kat and the subcultours Team