Artist Statement : I am an American artist creating mosaics using gouache painted eggshells on canvas. My mosaics are primarily realistic depictions inspired by nature and humanity. Many of my works explore the interplay of shadows and highlights. I am influenced by a sense of awe at the astonishing beauty of the natural world, by interconnectedness – between people as well as between people and nature – and ultimately by a sense of hope within a broken and fragile world. The challenge of meticulous construction in my work requires patience and a sense of the larger picture while simultaneously focusing on minute details. This, combined with transforming fragile eggshells into works of art, is what inspires me. In a time of instant gratification, I want to encourage people to value slow and steady craftsmanship, to appreciate everyday beauty, and to discover harmony and hope in the patterns and textures in my work.
About Me
I have always been drawn to creative expression, first poetry and then other types of art. In college I enjoyed taking classes on drawing, painting and art history but ended up majoring in Education with an emphasis on English and Theatre. I went on to get my Masters in Theatre Education. I taught both subjects for 20 years before retiring in 2024 and during that time I found time to use my creativity, whether designing sets, bulletin boards or crafting lesson plans. I am also an avid gardener, reader and recently, an e-biker.
In 2010 I was diagnosed with cancer and after surgery and chemo treatments, I found myself wanting yet another creative hobby. I have always loved the idea of mosaics - of many pieces combining to create a design - so I did some research. Many of the types of mosaics I encountered were very large and required equipment that seemed expensive and not practical for my tiny living situation.
Then I saw a picture of one done with eggshells. I loved the idea and created my first design on a tabletop (mimicking the idea from the picture). I fell in love with the process, moved from a wooden surface to canvas, and began using gouache rather than spray paint to create more subtle tones. Other than that one example, I have found few other artists who do eggshell art so I have basically taught myself by trial and error.
Prints and other merchandise can be ordered at https://brokenforyou.etsy.com
My Process
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Canvas is prepared by painting it a flat color - usually mint green but occasionally black. The design is then sketched out in pencil.
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Large white eggshell pieces are pre-painted with gouache in varying shades and colors. Glue is spread over a small area and small fragments of shell are broken off and placed with tweezers.
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When all the eggshells have been glued in place, often some touch up painting is done with a very tiny brush.
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When finished, the mosaic is sprayed with archival varnish to set the paint.
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It is difficult to say how much time each piece takes since I tend to lose track of time when I'm working. In general, I can complete a 3"x3" square in about an hour depending on the complexity of what is within that square. For example, a solid color goes much faster than a multi-colored section. The smaller pieces (12"x12") generally take about one month to complete. Larger pieces can take up to six months.
Contact
I'd love to hear what you think about my art and/or process or if you have any questions, please let me know!