Breaking up materials (stone, smalti or "found" pieces) , and then piecing them together into infinite forms, is always both satisfying and exasperating; but also provides for solitary moments of introspection and meditation, of expansive and abstract thought. There is, of course, finality offered in a completed piece, which may offer a quiet satisfaction and joy, or create feelings of anxiety. The variety and combination of materials, which may require severity of design on the one hand, while allowing you to introduce personal experiences on the other hand effectively allow you to create something in your own unique vision. I am very strongly drawn to color, and it’s ability to draw a viewer into it’s space. Some of my mosaics may offer no form of escape from their direct gaze, rather an invitation to the viewer to provide their own interpretation through contemplation. However, every piece is laid in position. There is a vision with purpose.

With different kinds of work, I am able to keep in touch with the many things that touch or affect me - from whimsy and fantasy to life and death. All of these elements serve as points of departure - what follows then, is a product of thought and imagination. One of the immensely satisfying results of creating mosaics, is that they offer the viewer the ability to touch and feel and explore - mere viewing is not enough. After all, there is the enduring satisfaction that materials in their raw form have been given stability in another form - the force of renewal is strongly sustained. Every type of work then influences what follows it, and the sheer diversity of what is available as a mosaic artist’s pallette only serves to help develop visual ideas. 

I have been blessed in having the mentorship of Lia Catalano, a talented mosaicist and just the gem of a person. This has been my journey so far....