The first part of any mosaic project is finding the materials. Treasure hunting is fun and requires patience as it can take weeks or months to gather it all together.  I work with ceramic tiles,  plates, teacups, pots and figurines, china dishes and vases…finding many treasures at thrift stores, garage sales and estate sales.

Depending on what design I am looking to create, I will break these ceramic finds with tile nippers and cutters. Sometimes, I’ll just drop plates on the ground or smash them with a hammer..super fun and satisfying. I also use a dremel tool to cut figurines to inlay into the grout or mortar. I then will glue each ceramic piece onto tile mesh with tile adhesive. Once the design is created I adhere the large mosaic in cut up pieces onto the substrate. This can be a tricky process depending on the size of the mosaic. Once adhered, it’s time to grout. This is my least favorite part of the process but the outcome makes it all worth it. The grout is mixed up and spread over the entire mosaic filling in all the gaps and crevices. Since I only have about 30 minutes until it dries and cracks, I work on 2 feet of mosaic at a time…polishing and scraping off all the excess grout from the tops of the ceramics. It is very time consuming detailed work. Once it is dry, it is permanent, cohesive and complete. I varnish my mosaics with a waterproof glossy sealant, or if it’s a table, an epoxy resin.

I am an avid Art Journaler…My art journals are a safe place for me, a therapy of sorts. In my visual journals, I write, paint, play, collage, experiment, and generally go for it. I often use journaling as a warm up before diving into a big painting session. It helps me to get out of my head and feel free to be me and to express my feelings, My journals are mostly for myself so I don’t feel any fear of judgement. Besides, paint is so forgiving and if I really don’t like something I did, I can just paint over it. I sometimes write in my art journals like I did growing up, but almost always use this as a first layer and draw/paint/collage over the writing entry which just adds interest. I always encourage people to start visual journaling as a way to express color, have fun and just let go.

I try to live my life in an artistic way. Is see life as art.  I look for beauty in all things, and in all people. I want to create in every way I can. Ever since covid 19 started, and we were all more home bound than usual, I have taken to my backyard to create some dormant dreams. For the past 20 years, I have wanted to build a home yurt.( A yurt is a round semi permanent domed tent like structure with canvas walls and wooden lattice sides.)  I lived in California for 16 years and spent some time in beautiful yurts in Big Sur, California… wishing upon a star. After many years wishing, we decided to make this dream a reality. Still a work in progress, we are currently adding electricity and a stone path….but so much transformation has occurred these past months…physically, emotionally and spiritually!

My intention with this yurt is to create a sacred healing space . Living in Georgia, we have backyard space and lots of big beautiful trees!  The trees surround the yurt and transport you to a ‘retreat like’ feeling while inside the round structure.

Along with my love for visual art, I am passionate about the healing arts. I have worked as a bodyworker for over 20 years, giving massage and energy work for clients around the world. Yoga has also been an integral part of my life since 1996 and informs my artistic life in a big way. For me, this yurt is an invitation for meditation, yoga , and massage. It is a sanctuary for connection, relaxation and healing.