Lessons Learned in Partnership
Note: The collaboration between artists Julie Mazzoni and Jennifer Freeman began in October 2022 when they submitted a proposal to the city of Dunwoody for a public art mosaic. Work began in August 2023 on the mosaic entitled “The Landscape of Dunwoody.”
The design/bid stage of the project was by far the most stressful part. There was intense creative pressure to come up with innovative designs, present them professionally and make sure we had all the information we needed. We both had full schedules with our own commission work during this process, which also occurred over the holidays.
We quickly learned to divvy up the tasks according to our strengths. Sharing the responsibilities this way is efficient and allowed us to learn from each other.
It took extra time at the front end of making the mosaic to make sure we were on the same page and consistent through the whole project. This was especially true since we were working in our respective studios. Communication of material and andamento choices were all made before we began. Specific color choices were more of a continuing process using the overall design as a guide and material availability the final determination.
Communication was and is key. If ANY new development arose, it was immediately shared. Not just about the project challenges and progress, but about anything that effected the timeline for the project.
We hired our weaknesses. We needed help scaling the design and getting it printed. We needed help cutting the substrates to fit the niche. And lastly, we will need help when it comes to installing the mosaic.
We Compromised when necessary. Several times we met in the middle so we could move forward with the project.
We enjoyed the process. Each project has unique challenges and figuring it all out is a process we both thrive on. It is also really nice to always have something to work on. More sourcing material, fusing, cutting and adhering than anything else we’ve ever done, and sharing the responsibilities made it that much more enjoyable. We always kept Alicia Silverstone’s words in mind - “Teamwork is awesome.” And we celebrated and continue to celebrate the victories together!
