Artist Statement

As my mosaic teacher, Luciana Notturni, would say, “Mosaic is material together." The fact that one can use practically any material to make a mosaic is one of the reasons this medium is so attractive to me. Mosaic welcomes all! Since I was a kid I have always had a fascination with gems and minerals and scavenging for little trinkets and treasures. Mosaic preserves these treasures in a beautiful, creative way.  Mosaic can be as small as a pendant on a necklace or cover an entire building to transform an environment. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, time, and the human touch.

Typically my mosaic work falls into two different categories, organic and geometric.  Despite the fact that my work goes into two vastly different directions; both styles possess intricate details, vibrant color combinations, variations of texture, embedded treasures ready to be discovered wrapped in a whimsical essence. The abstract shapes often ignite sense memories. As one more closely examines the pieces, the finer details emerge and one discovers perhaps a nugget of pyrite, a porcelain butterfly, an antique key, even a succulent. And the pleasure center of the brain fires.

I am in awe of what nature can create and my organic work is an attempt to mimic it, but at the same time stylize it using a mix of natural and fabricated materials. My organic mosaic pieces echo the irregular patterns and layers of geological forms. When I create a geometric mosaic this allows me to create more structure, sleekness and a sense of tranquility with clean and repetitive lines and symmetrical motifs.  

One of my favorite quotes which is the root to my drive to create comes from the children’s book, “Ms. Rumphius.” The title character says, “Do something to make the world a more beautiful place.” By mixing natural and man-made objects in my art and installations, I hope to help people feel connected, to transport them and make the world more beautiful for them.