Mosaic art was never my dream or my intention. But, since serendipity brought mosaic into my life 24 years ago, I am living that dream every day. Without any formal art training or experience, the fact that I could create beautiful works of art amazed me!! The business end of mosaic introduced me to many different types of mosaic, and I love them all. My credo is “if it’s not fun you are doing it wrong!” While Mexican smalti is my element of choice and portraiture my favorite style, I find joy in everything from whimsical to abstract. Mosaic is my muse and teaching mosaic is my joy!
"Mosaic . . . . . . . . . . . the beauty is in the imperfection"
michele petno
My favorite quote about mosaic is "the beauty is in the imperfection". What other art form invites you to use broken medium and where "flaws" can add interest? Mosaicists don't seek perfection. Instead we embrace the process that leads to a place of calm & joy through creativity. Whatever you do, have fun with it!
More photos on FB page
P O R T R A I T U R E
P O R T R A I T U R E
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"Frida Forever" detail Original painting by Frida Kahlo 1940
2017 $2250
china, Capodimonte porcelain flowers, millefiori, smalti,
found objects, antique wood frame
22" x 38" framed
The original self portrait was painted by Frida Kahlo in 1940 as a gift to Stanford surgeon Leo Eloesser, whom she consulted with for several health issues. They developed a very strong friendship and bond as she confided more than her physical sufferings. As with all of her art, the symbolism was an important means of expression for her. The necklace of thorns represented the pain that Dr. Eloesser helped her through, the earring represented a gift from Pablo Picasso when she met him in Paris and the dead twigs most likely represented the bleakness of her life. I am drawn to the utter grit and courage she had to endure during her difficult life. Frida Kahlo is the embodiment of anyone who has endured physical pain and a broken heart; this mosaic tribute to her is the only one like it in the world.
2017 $2250
china, Capodimonte porcelain flowers, millefiori, smalti,
found objects, antique wood frame
22" x 38" framed
The original self portrait was painted by Frida Kahlo in 1940 as a gift to Stanford surgeon Leo Eloesser, whom she consulted with for several health issues. They developed a very strong friendship and bond as she confided more than her physical sufferings. As with all of her art, the symbolism was an important means of expression for her. The necklace of thorns represented the pain that Dr. Eloesser helped her through, the earring represented a gift from Pablo Picasso when she met him in Paris and the dead twigs most likely represented the bleakness of her life. I am drawn to the utter grit and courage she had to endure during her difficult life. Frida Kahlo is the embodiment of anyone who has endured physical pain and a broken heart; this mosaic tribute to her is the only one like it in the world.
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Pet Portrait in Stained Glass "Frida" revisited "Seated Nude" by Modigliani 4' x 5'
commissioned Stained Glass shards Re-created with 40 lbs of Jelly Bellies, SOLD 2 Hershey Kisses, a few M&M's & licorice string. commissioned for a 3 night live installation for annual
"Orlando Nude Nite " event 2011. SOLD
commissioned Stained Glass shards Re-created with 40 lbs of Jelly Bellies, SOLD 2 Hershey Kisses, a few M&M's & licorice string. commissioned for a 3 night live installation for annual
"Orlando Nude Nite " event 2011. SOLD
"Freddie Mercury" "Analeisa" "Analeisa" (detail)
2017 Turkish glass 'Kismet' tiles 2006 Mexican smalti
SOLD $850
My first portrait! My friend and I photographed this woman from across a canal in Italy.I could tell she was so
sweet when she stood still knowing we were taking her photo. I discovered she was 91. Sadly, she died before
I completed and never knew how many people admired her face.
2017 Turkish glass 'Kismet' tiles 2006 Mexican smalti
SOLD $850
My first portrait! My friend and I photographed this woman from across a canal in Italy.I could tell she was so
sweet when she stood still knowing we were taking her photo. I discovered she was 91. Sadly, she died before
I completed and never knew how many people admired her face.
Mosaic Mandalas Made Easy!
Wonderful project for all levels and no grouting!
Wonderful project for all levels and no grouting!
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"Trixie" "Circle of Love" "Miami Raindrops"
personal collection sold Commission
personal collection sold Commission
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Wedding Mandala Made for a wedding gift. I used all things white, silver and gold including mirror, pearls, millefiori, vintage Czech rhinestones, Kismet gold petals, white triangles, and white mini rounds, rhinestone jewelry and an assortment of beads. The center is a locket with the couple's picture. |
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MIXED MEDIA
Mixed media means that more than one element has been used. We are extra fortunate that we can use almost anything in mosaic! Be mindful that the element needs to be compatible with the glue and also grout if it is used.
Mixed media means that more than one element has been used. We are extra fortunate that we can use almost anything in mosaic! Be mindful that the element needs to be compatible with the glue and also grout if it is used.
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"Bugsy" "Bugsy" (detail) Millefiori & Bling Shoe 2013 SOLD SOLD Kismet glass tiles, millefiori, painted/lacquered abalone shell wings, gold smalti, glass stringers, beads, sliced glass rods
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Asian Butterfly Pique-Assiette Mirror Mirror Detail
China, beads, Kismet tiles, figurine head, Memory ware style (aka "puffy grout")
millefiori & more broken china (aka Pique-Assiette), found
objects, porcelain rose, bird figurine
Commissioned SOLD
China, beads, Kismet tiles, figurine head, Memory ware style (aka "puffy grout")
millefiori & more broken china (aka Pique-Assiette), found
objects, porcelain rose, bird figurine
Commissioned SOLD
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"Ruthie" the Rhino
Gold 10mm tiles, numerous pearls & beads of all sizes and types, rhinestones, millefiori, gold seed beads, etc.
Paper mache base, Apoxie Sculpt, gold paint. $195
9" L, 5.5" H, 3.5" W
Gold 10mm tiles, numerous pearls & beads of all sizes and types, rhinestones, millefiori, gold seed beads, etc.
Paper mache base, Apoxie Sculpt, gold paint. $195
9" L, 5.5" H, 3.5" W
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Former Home Fireplace: Seashells, millefiori, glass rods & stringers Detail w Nautilus shell
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Venetian style mirror frame My House Numbers
sold
Kismet Tile, smalti gold colors, Acrylic metal-finish beads St. Glass, beads, millefiori, vintage S&P shaker, etc.
sold
Kismet Tile, smalti gold colors, Acrylic metal-finish beads St. Glass, beads, millefiori, vintage S&P shaker, etc.
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First Memory Ware class 1997 "Infant Jesus of Prague" Vase & box Victorian China 1998
sold sold
sold sold
