Cincinnati, OH
Ultimately, my artist statement is a reflection of my journey marked by curiosity, patience and perseverance, and a deep love for the medium of mosaics. The process of mosaic making—cutting and laying tesserae, designing, and building—offers endless variety and fulfills my desire to learn, teach, and express myself. I am captivated by how mosaics convey three-dimensionality, color variation, and the interplay of light, allowing each piece to find its perfect place. As an abstract landscape mosaic artist, I am driven by a passion for continual growth and a commitment to sharing my voice through art.
My background and experiences are integral to my development as an artist. Trained as an art teacher, I learned the elements of art and principles of design by teaching others, which has given me a strong foundation in both theory and practice. Growing up in a small city in the Midwest, I had little exposure to working artists, which made my path to becoming an artist both challenging and rewarding. In college, I self-funded two study-abroad experiences to immerse myself in art and culture, seeking opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and traditions. Most recently, I completed a mosaic study tour in Ravenna, Italy, to understand the origins of mosaics and connect with the rich history of the medium. These experiences have shaped my artistic identity and fueled my desire to learn from great international teachers of modern mosaics.
My most recent work, “Atop Rhodes” (slide #4) is inspired by the legacy of Italian mosaicists and my travel experience to the Greek Islands. “Atop Rhodes” refers to the elevated areas and scenic spots on the island of Rhodes, Greece. I draw deeply from experiences with nature and the land, seeking to evoke awe, peacefulness, and reverence. I also strive to capture the vivid energy and rhythm of the landscapes I've encountered. I select materials—natural and repurposed stones, smalti, stained glass, and found objects—for their ability to convey meaning and texture. My favorite tools are my fingers and tweezers, emphasizing the intimate, hands-on nature of my practice. Through my mosaics, I desire to reveal the beauty and intensity of the land, share my perspective, and invite others into a dialogue about the meaning and power of mosaics.
