Ruth Minola Scheibler

The Cross-cultural Tale of a Master Mosaicist

Among the historic backstreets of Palma’s old town lives a quiet courtyard. Distinct from its city surroundings, this alcove of artist studios and art galleries offers a rest from the stimulating city action of Palma. In this setting, you’ll find the intimate studio of mosaic artist, Ruth Minola Scheibler.

A professional nomad, Ruth began her studies in Italy, learning directly from the Venetian masters themselves. This education proved life changing. From street art commissions to historic church restorations, Ruth’s work brought her country to country before she decided to settle in the Balearic Islands. An impressive multilinguist, Ruth can communicate in five different languages, allowing her to connect and spread her craft to dada-days’ students from around the world. Today, she invites mosaic enthusiasts and beginners alike to her studio, sharing her ‘poc a poc’ mentality and holistic approach to her craft.

Learn more about Ruth and her creative history in our interview below:

Hi Ruth, tell us a bit about yourself… 

My Name is Ruth Minola, I came to this beautiful island 7 years ago. Originally from Germany, I went out to study traditional mosaic techniques and terrazzo floors in Italy when I was 20 years old. Four years later I became a “maestra mosaicista” and it has been my profession ever since. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on various projects, ranging from the restoration of ancient mosaics in churches to community street art projects, as well as private and public commissions. Through continuous research and practice, I’ve developed my own contemporary style and body of work. Teaching has been a significant part of my journey for the past 15 years, as I strive to pass on the versatile and ancient techniques of mosaic art.

How did you discover your passion for creating mosaics? Why is this medium special to you?

My passion for creating mosaics stems from the unique qualities and challenges of this medium. Even today there is actually no admission exam for mosaic school and approximately one third of the students withdraw during the first course.

You quickly realise if your personality can cope with a big amount of repetitive processes, slow progress and dirty fingers on a daily basis. I guess mine did. It is true that sometimes it’s challenging, yet for me there is no other artistic medium that offers such boundless and diverse avenues for exploration in techniques and materials and I particularly enjoy the balancing act between craftsmanship and artistry. The metaphorical layers within mosaic art fascinate me. There is something intrinsic in the process of destruction and reconstruction. The idea of creating something that is meant to last forever from broken fragments, the meticulous attention to detail without losing sight of the whole. You can make a floor, a wall or a piece of art – mosaic seamlessly adapts to every surface interior, exterior, curved or straight, small or big, like a magical second skin. And the process of making it puts you into the flow-state in no time. After all these years my fascination with it only deepens, as I continually discover new aspects to adore.

What do you hope to share through your workshop? What do you hope students take away?

I hope to share some of the beauty behind all of this. Making mosaics is just so joyful. All of the different materials and shapes and colours, the little pieces and the space between them creating a rhythm. I hope that through this playfulness my students, apart from creating their very own piece of art to take away after the workshop, they get a glimpse of the underlying pattern of these processes. That nothing is wasted. That you end up somewhere if you keep going. That time is relative and that it is always fulfilling to create something with your own hands.

As an artist, why have you chosen to settle in Mallorca? How does the island inspire you today?

I now have lived almost half of my life in the Mediterranean and I just feel very much at home in its light and mix of cultures. Motherhood took me to Mallorca and I couldn´t be more grateful. It is a very special place to me and its dazzling beauty inspires me endlessly.

You’ve described yourself as a “Guardian of the slow”. How do you think genuine craftsmanship promotes slow living?

I believe it’s essential, given the current state of our planet and society and the challenges we need to face, to slow down and embrace a more mindful way of living.

Through my artistic endeavours and teaching I aim to promote awareness, focus and presence in all aspects of life. Engaging in the act of creating something with one’s own hands inherently instils a sense of humility because it demands patience, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the journey rather than solely focusing on the end result. Through this practice, we can learn to value quality over quantity, to cherish items imbued with history and soul over mass-produced goods. We begin to see the struggle and love purred into these handmade pieces, respect the people that made them and gradually adopt a lifestyle centred around these principles.

This, for me, is more than just a method—it’s a mission. I hope to inspire others to adopt a slower way of living that honours craftsmanship, sustainability, and the intrinsic value of human connection. “Poc a poc” (little by little in Catalan), as they usually say here.

Your career spans from working in fine art to private and public commissions. What have been your favourite projects to collaborate on?

Oh, I’m not sure if I have a favourite, but one particularly memorable experience was participating in the creation of the massive collective mosaics of Puente Alto in Chile.

A team of local artists spent two years making beautiful mosaics covering 4000 square metres of public space. I was fortunate to be part of an international group of mosaic artists that joined in towards the end to cover up the frontal wall of the townhouse. The atmosphere was akin to a festival, and you could truly feel the connecting power and impact of creating something so significant through collective effort.

On the other hand, I also thoroughly enjoy working alone all by myself. I am really proud of the murals I have done in recent years for clients here in the Balearic Islands – those little mirrored sculptures that allow me to play on a big surface and still keep it light and intriguing.

Thank you so much Ruth!
For more info:
www.mozaikon.com
www.instagram.com/m.o.z.a.i.k.o.n