I have been a teacher for over 50 years, and lived most of my life in Florida so the beach and its beauty feature heavily in my art work.. Some time ago, my husband and I lost our middle child. It was difficult, of course, and I needed something beautiful in my life to help with the healing. The healing came from the Lord, but I also received a book on mosaics. Once I began, I worked to perfect my art. I consigned terra cotta pots to a nursery in Tallahassee and furnished prizes for events, and began to be featured in galleries in Pt. St. Joe, Dunedin, Ozona, Crystal River and several cities in Michigan where we spend the summer. I have never considered myself an artist, but have learned to love the variety and beauty of glass creations. I do wall art, frames and mirrors, beach themed art, and tables covered with beautiful scenes. I have placed well at the state fair for several years. I do demonstrations and teach classes. I accept commissions to do name plates and address plaques.

When did you start creating? Was there a specific moment or inspiration that led you to it?

I began mosaics in 2006 and am constantly surprised at the astonishing beauty and variety in glass. I have shopped many states to find the glass I use. I include stained glass, tile, tallavera pottery, jewelry and other findings to create a wide variety of projects.
Much of my work can be place outside and is very durable for porches and patios. The small side tables for the patio are very popular with Florida birds, sealife, seascapes, turtles and sailboats.

What emotions, messages, or themes do you hope to convey through your work?

I am constantly amazed at God's creation and its beauty. The colors of the sky, the sea and the forests are ever changing and yet retain such glory. I have done a series of "Reflect" pieces. poetry pieces featuring the works of Robert Frost and Joyce Kilmer. I have done a series of 16 by 16 hall mirrors in beautiful colors.

What materials, tools, or techniques do you use, and why did you choose them? (This can include digital tools, traditional techniques, or unique processes.)

I have studied traditional or classical Roman mosaics. I began working with tiles, but soon discovered stained glass and appreciated its variety in shades, values and textures. I also use broken china, pieces I have imported from Thailand and antique architecture and found objects including old coins, jewelry pieces and glass beads of every color and shape.. Recently I have begun a new technique. I create scenes of the sea or mountains using stones, fireplace class, and crushed glass. These are particularly popular as a class. Several people have asked me to include a treasured piece of family china in a wall mirror or tray.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your creative journey, and how did you overcome it?

I have never considered myself an artist. I can't draw or paint, although I have learned that some basic techniques can be learned.
So, creating beach and forest scenes was a challenge, but again basic skills can be learned such as cutting class. I took glass cutting classes and learned the use of the many tools which make mosaics possible. I found some things that did not work and continued to study on my own. I learned to use grout and the different types and how to color it to change the look of the glass work.

Do you remember your first sale? How did it feel?

I started covering terra cotta pots with scenes and took them to the Tallahassee Nursery. The buyer there took them on consignment. Never having done anything like that before, I was amazed and pleased.

Has a customer ever shared a special story or reason for purchasing your work?If yes, we'd love to hear more! What was their story?

There have been many. A great aunt gave me broken pieces from her wedding china and asked me to memorialize it in a tray.Several people have started collections of the terra cotta pots for their porches and patios. I did a piece using Robert Frost's poem "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening" using the first stanza and a customer bought it and asked me to do another stanza. People will often share there stories and I will find a piece to uplift them. A man who ran a group home wanted a BE KIND piece toput in the kitchen. A lady from Maine wanted a welcome sign with blue crabs and I was able to do that for her.

Is there a particular piece or product that customers seem to love the most? What makes it special?

I cover small glass patio tables with beach scenes, turtles, water birds, tropical flowers or sailboats. They are sealed with tile grout and so impervious to the weather. These are very popular.

What are your future plans? What do you hope to achieve through your creative business?

I just love doing the work. I still teach a little, but would be happy to spend more time creating. There is such joy for someone who is not an artist to see what can be done. What light and colors and textures are available and can be combined in ever expanding scenes and shapes and designs. It is a dream come true for me. But marketing is not my strong suit. As I age, it is harder to set up at shows as I have done for 15 years. and so I am looking for other avenues to promote my art. I think it is unique and lovely and want to share it.

Are you working on any exciting new projects or collections?

I have started a new technique for me, using stones of different sizes, shapes and varieties combined with capiz shell pieces and crushed glass. This work does not need to be grouted and so, is easier to produce, yet still offers an incredible variety of scenes having a brightness and variety of colors.

Why did you choose to join ZART? How has our platform helped your creative business?

I appreciate the opportunity to share my art at ShopZart and offer it for sale.