joyful mosaic

Creative Statement

            For me, the purpose of art is to bring joy, to uplift the spirit, to connect with that which is Divine, to bring people together and most basically, love; in all of its incarnations. In our society, so many expect instant gratification and results from everything. I believe it is important for people to know and understand that some things take time to create. Some things require focus, attention and positive energy to achieve the results that you want, and most importantly that you get what you give. I try to foster an appreciation for the process, especially when I work with children. My mosaic art  is an act of sharing, connection and giving.

The images in my artwork are inspired by shapes and patterns found in nature. Curves, spirals, ribbons of color and texture motivate me most. I prefer using recycled items, things with history, in my work. Stones and shells from my favorite places; hand crafted stained glass vibrant with color; strips of metal and leather all find their way into my work. My enjoyment is in the process of gathering, assembling and sharing. I love mosaic because each piece, each tessera, is touched as it is put in place, and then when it is grouted and polished, the mosaic is touched again as a whole entity. My energy is transferred into my work and is available to those who view it.

Education/Awards/Publications

2006 Recipient of Lucy A. Morgan Scholarship for 2 week Roman Style Mosaic Workshop at Penland School of Arts and Crafts in North Carolina Studied with Vannessa Somers of Rome, Italy

2006 Inclusion in e-book “Mosaic Yearbook 2005” a collective portfolio of local and international contemporary mosaic artists and work created in 2005 published by mosaicsmalti.com

2005  Member of Hudson Artists of New Jersey

2003  Internship for Cheryl Hazan of Anandamali Gallery in New York, NY who specializes in large-scale mosaic installations and hand crafted furniture.

2001   Certificate in Design Essentials from the Mac Learning Center, New York, NY. (Adobe Photoshop, Quark and Adobe Illustrator)

1996 Hunter College New York, NY Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology and a minor in Studio Arts (Painting and Ceramics)

1989  High School of Art and Design in New York, NY major in Photography

Visiting/ Teaching Artist

Camp Liberty (Arts Educational Team of Jersey City) Art Specialist/ Sculpture and Mosaic Arts, Summer 2008

Newark Museum Artist in Residence  Newark Public School System/ Newark Museum 2006-Present

Fresh Art Organization & Caring Community Senior Center New York, NY Spring 2006-present

Grace Church Van Vorst Jersey City, NJ 2006-2007

            - Mosaic Instructor for Seniors Group in Jersey City

The Newark Museum  Newark, NJ 2003-Present

             - Mosaic Arts Instructor for Arts Workshop (Adult)

Morristown Beard School Morristown NJ March 2005

Events/Exhibitions:

Current & Upcoming Shows:

Art Basel Miami 2008 Venues TBA

October 2008 

“Collateral Collision” Rock Soup Group Show at Canco Lofts

“Sweet” Group Show at Torico’s Ice Cream Parlor

“Garden” Permanent Installation in Pershing Field Park, Jersey City, NJ

"Woman" Fusion Arts Museum, New York City

Previous shows

February 2008   “Love is for Lovely People” Victory Hall group show

December 2007 Art Basel Miami, Rock Soup Group show Design Crib Gallery

October 2007  Jersey City Artist’s Studio Tour

May 2007-July 2007 Rock Soup Group Show Mana Fine Arts Gallery Jersey City, NJ

February 2007 Rock Soup Group show at LITM Jersey City, NJ

October 2006 Jersey City Artist Studio Tour

            Forced Future Gallery (Rock Soup Loft)

            Project .001 Gallery (Rock Soup)

            Rachel’s Café

            Grace Church Van Vorst- Co-curator for group show, “Faces in Grace”

July 2006 Permanent Installation in “Le Toukouleur” restaurant in Williamsberg, Brooklyn

June 2006 Group Show Hudson Artists of New Jersey in Rotunda Gallery Jersey City, NJ

May 2006 Permanent Installation “Spiral” Rock-Mosaic Sculpture Newark, NJ

May 2006 Group Show “Cathedral Arts Festival” in Grace Church Van Vorst Jersey City, NJ

February 2006 “Afroptix” Group Show in Grace Church Van Vorst Jersey City, NJ

October 2005 “Fabricon II “ in GAIA Gallery Hoboken Artist Studio Tour

October 2005 Jersey City Artist Studio Tour

Victory Hall, “Mosaic” show , Jersey City, NJ

“Arts in the Park” Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ

July 2005 Permanent Installation outdoor Mural in Cocoa Bar Park Slope Brooklyn

(3 panels totaling 85 square feet, photos on website)

June 2005 Hudson Artists of New Jersey Group Show in Rotunda Gallery Jersey City, NJ

May 2005 Group Show Cathedral Arts Festival in Grace Church Van Vorst Jersey City, NJ

February-April 2005 Mosaic Sculpture Newark Museum in Arts Workshop Studios