A “Ribbit” on a Rock
2026
6″ x 6″
Stained glass, filati, smalti, fused glass, translucent grout, dots
$275 RESERVED
This mosaic depicts a frog perched calmly on a rock, rendered in a richly textured, done in a variety of glass, smalti, fused glass, fillati, dots and translucent grout. I assembled irregular, angular pieces that fit together like a patchwork, giving the frog and its surroundings a faceted, geometric look.
The frog is the clear focal point, positioned centrally and facing forward. Its body is composed of warm golden tones, pale greens, and soft browns, with subtle variations that suggest light reflecting off its moist skin. The chest and underside glow with a luminous, almost amber quality, contrasting with the cooler greens along its back and limbs. The mosaic pieces create a layered effect, making the frog appear both solid and slightly translucent.
Its eyes are especially striking—large, rounded, and a deep reddish-brown with glossy highlights. These eyes give the frog a lifelike presence and a sense of alert curiosity, as if it’s observing the viewer. The mouth is defined by a thin, slightly curved line, lending the frog a calm, almost contemplative expression.
The frog’s limbs are carefully constructed from smaller, angular fragments. Its front legs rest on the rock, with delicate toes splayed outward. The positioning feels natural and balanced, suggesting the frog is at ease in its environment. The rock beneath it is made up of darker, earthy tones—deep browns, muted reds, and grays—arranged in elongated, shard-like pieces that emphasize texture and grounding.
In the background, vertical shapes in soft greens and grays hint at foliage or stems, creating a subtle sense of a natural habitat without overwhelming detail. The backdrop is more abstract than the frog, with smoother transitions and fewer sharp contrasts, allowing the central figure to stand out.
Overall, the mosaic combines realism with abstraction. The subject is clearly recognizable, yet the fragmented construction adds an artistic, almost cubist interpretation. The interplay of light, color, and texture gives the piece depth and visual interest, making the frog feel both grounded in its environment and elevated as a stylized work of art.
Yolanda Bergman