introducing: mozaica
It's spring time. The weather is improving, the flowers are blooming and everyone is twitterpated!
Speaking of new beginnings, some of you might have noticed that I've taken my mosaics to a new level. What started off as a hobby, an outlet for creativity and a form of therapy, has begun to grow into something more.
I was so proud of my first mosaic pieces. I couldn't believe that I had created them myself! And with each mosaic I create, I feel more confidence in my skills and creativity. Each time I try something new, I sharpen my skills and solidify my technique, and I am continually seeing improvement with every piece.
I'm also continuing to branch out and try new thing. I started off with wall hangings, and then began to experiment with vases and candle votives along the way. Now I am continuing to learn with different types of adhesives, tesserae (aka tiles) and substrates (aka bases).
My most recent pieces are a garden stone and a wall hanging that I made using different types and heights of glass, and a new backer for me called Wedi-board.
And just this past weekend, I took a glass fusing class so that I can make my own pieces of glass - which could potentially become part of a mosaic. And I am predicting to be very addictive. Here is the before shot of the glass pieces from my intro to fusing class. They're in the kiln now and I can't wait to see how they turn out!
Last month, I made a leap and attended a conference that the Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) put on in Tacoma. I learned so much in two short days; about mosaic "grammar", different techniques, and materials. They collaborated with the Tacoma Public Library and the Museum of Glass to feature mosaic art exhibits, which I thoroughly enjoyed exploring. And I bought a decent (read: significant) amount of materials to take home with me to my studio and play with. It gave me a chance to see what a welcoming community the world of mosaic art is, and injected me with a new sense of purpose and excitement in where this journey could take me.
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis
And so, I introduce to you:
It will take me some time to get Mozaica off its feet, but I think as an artist who has a background in business, I might have an advantage at this planning part of the process. (Yes, I do have a marketing plan underway and have gathered a bunch of research... it's just how I roll).
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way and helped me get to this point. I still have a long way to go but am so excited about how far I've already come. Mozaica is all about one of a kind, playful, and approachable art. It's not about sticking with tradition or playing by the rules, but will hopefully be able to evoke more personal connections because of this.
I am also so lucky to have the support of my biggest cheerleader, who has brainstormed and collaborated with me every step of the way so far, and who surprised me while I was away by setting up a studio for me in our garage, and since then has continued to make it an inviting and organized workspace.
I will keep you all up to date as my business continues to bloom and will let you know as soon as my products are for sale, and as soon as I'm taking orders. Until then, please know that your enthusiasm and support has been like a gust of wind in my sails and it's because of you that I'm moving forward the way that I am.
"Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it." - Bill Cosby