How Real Life Gets in the way of my ART

Okay, so I dedicated my (almost) whole summer to learning mosaics, breathing mosaics and applying mosaics....so why haven't I posted in a while?  Well, my job as a realtor captured me for a few weeks, then I just got pooped.  So here are a few photos of my latest mosaic flower collection.  The pieces are being professional photoed shortly and I will post them once received.  These pieces are Opus Romano tiles cut into either triangles or shards, Mexican Smalti, Stained Glass (background) and Millefiore for some of the centres and finally, semi-precious stones for some of the other centres.  ENJOY!

The Year of the Mosaic

Although I have been doing mosaics for many years, I decided this year I would hone that craft and take courses, workshops etc. to better learn about this ancient art.  Consequently I have now completed 3 projects in a new medium that I had not used before.  Prior to this, I taught children in school and used stained glass pieces as the tesserae.  So, this new learning curve has brought me to tile work.  Last week I started the first in a series of Cheryl's Garden.  In the spring, I went into my neighbourhood and backyard and snapped spring shots of flowers and unfurling leaves.  Here is the first in a series of backyard shots, completed in mosaic tile, smalti, stained glass and milifiori.  Hope you like!

My ELMO

Well, my little son is finished!  The mosaic, I mean.  This is Elmo licking his chops waiting for his next meal.  He's full of mischief, this one.  I am teaching him commands in Italian so I can practice for going away.  He just looks at me sideways but he knows the commands for Come here (Vin Aqua) and Treaties (forget the spelling)  Clever little lad.  Hope you like.

A Piscean named Cheryl

Well, my beautiful fish is complete!  The background is mirrored glass which creates the illusion of water.  The fish itself is my first experience with mosaic tiles and of course we have added the medium of pebbles and found shellfish from Florida.  On the whole I am quite pleased with it.  I intend to have it framed and placed in my washroom at home.  The colours will blend nicely with the walls.  Hello, My little fish!  Welcome Home!

Elmo Bower Mosaic

Recently, I joined a website called Contemporary Mosaic Artists.  It's a wonderful venue, full of mosaicists from around the world.  Some of the work is breathtaking.  I consider my work "in progress"  I am learning every day.  The above piece is in tile cut into tiny splices.  The trick will be to get the tongue and nose just right.  I think I captured my little guys' eyes.  Hope so....tomorrow is our class and I will continue to work on this.  CMA is having a contest of mosaic dogs.  I shall enter this in the contest.  Prize?  $100.00  That would be awesome!

Mosaic Group Party April 28

 Here are my wonderful new friends at our mosaic class.  We have been taking classes from wonderful people (and friends) Akram and Fadia Gabra.  Of course, this week we needed a martini or two!  Sonia, on the left, has finished her classic and lovely piece titled "Sunflower"  From left, Sonia (sitting), Kerry, Fadia, Akram, Carol-Anne (sitting), my good pals, Dianne and Linda.  Fun had by all!  Excellent food, BTW.

And the Fish Swims on......

I have started to add the background.  We decided that after much discussion, the background should be mirror.  It gives a look of the fish being in water.  It's also like glass, a medium of which I am very familiar.  This piece should be finished by next week!  Then, onto a portraiture of my Elmo Bower, dog extraordinaire!

A Fish Tail

By George, I think I got it!  Last night at my class at Glass Mosaic Canada (http://www.glassmosaiccanada.com)/ Fadia, our ever patient teacher helped me pull together the fish tail.  The starfish, pebbles and shells aren't glued yet; nor are the blue bubbles, but I think my fish-friend is coming along.  Not sure why that tail caused me so much grief; I think it's because it had to taper to such a thin line to the body.  Anyway, I'm pleased so far.  It's a fun, little piece.  We are on holidays from our Glass Class until the 28th of April however that night we will have a party of Fadia's wonderful treats.  I think we should pool our sheckles and bring a few lichi martinis as well!  We'll have to designate a driver!

Fish with Fin

Well, the fin is done!  Still have to redo the tail as it's bugging my ass but on the whole, I am pleased with the way things are moving along.  Note I added some grey and copper elements to the fin at the top to give it an added sense of dimension. I intend to do the same with the tail.  My friends Dianne and Linda joined me at the class this past week.  It was a lot of fun.  Dianne is an artist by profession and I think she's hooked!    Ciao, for now!

Saying It All

Nothing says spring more than pansies!  I fell in love with these yellow fellows at the store and planted them in my favourite lady's planter, Helen Miko.  Helen passed away last August; she was in her mid-80's but she would have loved this spring bouquet! 

The Fish is Ongoing.....

Although tile work is quite different than working with glass, I am having fun with the puzzle making addiction of piecing tiles.  The green line down the middle is supposed to be seaweed!  I continue to be puzzled by how to complete the tail and certainly there is a top fin to be started, but on the whole, it is kind of cute.  I am thoroughly enjoying my classmates and teachers at http://www.glassmosaiccanada.com/  Every week we are joined in our modern day quilting bee of piecing tile together.  Fun.

I LIKE THE WORLD OF NICE

This week has been particularly stressful; my job as a realtor can be that way sometimes.  It just seemed everyone was angry this week-not to only me, but to a couple of my real estate friends.  I truly believe we were victims of other people's SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and consequently we bore the brunt of people angry that the weather sucked.  Store owners were snappish, some clients were angry things weren't going the way they had hoped and to top it off, my poor little fur-son, Elmo Bower had an ailment that required a hospital stay.  $4,900 later, he is home, but being hand fed and coddled.  I am glad this week is over and becoming warmer, without snow.  So here's what I did to relieve stress.  I went to my favourite class on Thursday, and although the tiles of my mosaics were not co-operating, I was glad to be amongst my new friends in the group.  Carolyn had forgotten her picture so didn't want to do her work; she shared funny stories and leafed through magazines.  Rebecca's fish is coming along; nice, young girl..really like her.  Kari's project finished last week and she struggled to pick colours..she had a eureeka moment near the end of the evening and was satisfied with her mosaic tile colour choices.  I love my group.  Fadia Gabra was teaching this week; her and her husband Akram run http://www.glassmosaiccanada.com/ and I'm so glad I met them. 
So, what else?  I walked Elmo about 10 times, saw robins picking through the grass, picked up leaves and then started planning what to do tomorrow in the garden.  The One of A Kind Craft Show is on..may toddle down there. Oh yeah, I'm also reading a new book called The Happiness Project.  Really liking it.  Made a decision to not watch re-runs of stupid sitcoms and dramas.  I would rather read, daydream, do my mosaics and garden.  That's the way to relieve stress!

Signature Birdbath

I am so happy and at peace since I have returned to my "mosaic roots". I have been doing mosaics for over 10 years after taking a little course through the Toronto Board of Education. The original teacher was very nervous as she had never taught before, but the group instantly made her feel at ease. I cannot remember my first project but the next year I took another course which combined stained glass and mosaics and Gino was the teacher. He was terrific and even as of last year, he gave me scraps of stained glass from the classes so that I could do my art. My sister Michele and I participated in many Artisan shows including the Distillery District and Queen West Art Crawl. The first year at the Distillery we sold out and closed up early! We happened to be situated right next door to the coffee shop. Frankly I no longer enjoy the shows; the days are too long and for every great comment, there are those that swing by and state they can do what we are doing, for free! Okay, do it then! I prefer my art as a happy hobby; it is my intention to invite the neighbours over this year for a twilight garden tour; I'll put my work out and see if anyone bites. I also love teaching, particularly children. Garden stones are a fun introduction to mosaics. And of course, life would not be complete if I wasn't continuing to take courses. www.GlassMosaicCanada.com is run by the Gabras'; a wonderful couple who are passionate about the art of mosaics. Tonight is class night! Can't wait.

Tile Mosaics

I started a class about 3 weeks ago, learning the how-tos of the ancient art of mosaics. I have been doing mosaic art for about 10 years however never with tiles, only cut glass. I love the intensity of tile work simply because it is truly like a giant puzzle. Cutting a tile the exact dimension of a space, then working it in by colour, texture and design. I am making mistakes, which is great. The teacher, Akram Gabra points out things in my mosaics that I just can't see. On Thursday I disagreed with the lines of the tail of my fish (see photo) but on a second look, I agree it looks weird and the tail should flow more from the body. I will have to chisel out the tiles. I believe truly that we learn more from our mistakes.

I'm enjoying my classmates too. They are a lively group and we gather around the table and do our projects, chatting away. I've always ascertained that the mosaics are like a giant quilting bee, only with tile or glass. The conversations are interesting and I will definitely sign up for the second go-round before the summer season kicks in and everyone enjoys warm weather.

www.Evergreen.ca (The Brickyards, Bayview Ave)

Not sure if I've expressed my love for the Brickyards as of late, but it continues...even more so since it's coming into spring and soon there will be fresh vegetables and plants to be purchased. Yesterday was the busiest I have seen the indoor farmer's market; since I'm a new convert to the Brickyards, I can't even imagine what it looks like in the summer. Actually, I recall last year wondering why all the cars were parked along Bayview Avenue. It looked like a Green P Parking ticket-writer's dream! Anyway, on the first door inside, to the right is a gal that sells astonishingly good sausages. They are frozen but are just organic meat and spices. We particularly like the hot Italian. As you walk through, there is the waffle gal; she also makes a great apple fritter. Progressing, there are the crepe people-have not tried their crepes yet as the line-ups are usually huge, even when it's not busy. Dianne, my friend sells her jewellry in this area. (http://www.etsy.com/dibajewlry ) I love her stuff (photo to the side)

As you walk toward the middle building, there are fabulous french fries with rosemary salt on them. Yum. Apparently this is Jamie Kennedy's son, however that should be verified.

Inside, there is a baker I love; her mini pizzas are to die for; she has tiny quiches as well for 3$ which are great. Finally, the desert place....excellent in the third building to the left. He has a muffin topped with fresh fruit. Very yummy.

Check it out; every Saturday from 9-1.

Glass Mosaic Canada

Although I've been doing glass mosaics for over 10 years, I decided this year that I would take a "real" mosaic class, learning the art the way it was done thousands of years ago. Interestingly, while at the RE/MAX sponsored home show, I met Akram Gabra of Glass Mosaic Canada (http://www.glassmosaiccanada.com/) What first captured my eye was the fabulous tile Marilyn Monroe featured in his booth. The work is so intricate, so beautiful, so detailed, I can't begin to tell you. The piece is featured (left) but it does not capture the true magnificance of the workmanship and the time involved to do something like this. I signed up for his classes the next day. To be honest, at the beginning, I found the work labourious. Tile is very different from glass. Essentially you have more control when working with glass as it is finer. Akram's wife Fadia, gently guided us through the first phase which is doing the drawing and then starting the tile work. She is lovely and kind. Both Fadia and Akram have artistic spirits-they love what they do and are making a go of it in their shop on The Queensway. Today was my second class. I'm a convert-it's not that I won't work with glass anymore-I have thousands of pieces that have been donated from various stained glass studios, however, I like trying something different. There are going to be classes offered whereby you can learn how to do faces. I think I'd like to do a mosaic of my son when he was very little. Also, of course, Elmo Bower (dog).

Check out the beautiful Marilyn and see for yourself. If an old art form interests you, the classes are on-going and the teaching is terrific.

Rooster about 2/3 complete!

Filling in the background with cream and white cut glass. Starting to think about grout colours. Here's what I have thought so far.

Burnt reddish brown for gold at lower part.

Yellow or Gold for the actual roosters

Yellow or Gold for the gaps in the cream/white background

Coq Royale will be mosaiced in red.

Artist Project Toronto

Barn Door 2010

I love looking at art, doing art, selling art...you name it, I love art! So, when the Artist Project comes to town, I'm there. This year, there were over 200 exhibitors. My favourites were there, Alison Hodson, Anne Shiers, etc. Some new people also. I've enclosed some of Alison's work, simply because I love it and think she's just a lovely, engaging person. Alison originates from Oakville and now lives out in Whistler, B.C. I commissioned a piece from her last year (see above). She takes a photograph and then sews, in fine detail, designs and tactile elements. Beautiful work, but you have to see it up close to really appreciate it.

Some honourable mentions at the show:

Gabrielle Castonguay (www.gabriellescastonguay.com) Enamelist. She works with metal and fused glass; lovely, ethereal work. She is great, too!

Dana Jaunzemis (www.danathebird.com) She is a ceramicist, mixed media and jewellery designer. She had a fantastic elephant-compelling work made out of birch bark.

Mary Karavos (www.karavosart.com) Paper collage artist: beautiful work, colourful. She was a talkative, bubbly gal who really enjoys what she does.

Creating A Background

The background of the Roosters has started. I opted for a clear amber colour to create the illusion of the ground. Notice the small glass bits (this is grain/corn for the rooster to feed on. I pre-painted the MDF board gold so if it showed through the amber. (Weldbond, the gluing agent, dries clear) The background will be the same colour. Around the birds, I am creating a cream coloured mosaic so they jump out. This was on the suggestion of someone I met at a show.

I have now begun a class at www.GlassMosaicsCanada.com at 686 The Queensway. I have never before worked with tile, always opting for the bigger pieces and more control of the glass. Plus, I've had great success in getting glass donated to me so everything can be recycled. Glass can be purchased at a few places in Toronto. Celestial Glass on Kingston Road has a good selection; the best I have found is Fantasy In Glass on The Queensway. Great selection and they make many donations to the Hospital for Sick Children.

And the Roosters continue......

Here is the rooster and the hen as we move along in our mosaic. To be honest, it was harder to come up with colours for the hen as they are not usually as vibrant as the rooster. I am preparing the colours now for the ground; it will include "pieces of corn". The piece will be named: Coq Royale.

The Beginning.....

The Rooster beginning. As you will note, the colours are all which were shown on the previous post. I have tried to incorporate bright reds, amber, cream and white so you have the illusion of a rooster's tail, breast, beak and crown. I have cut the glass on diagonals. When doing this, best to use goggles or glasses and the shards can fly. Coming along nicely.

Picking Your Colours

The picking of glass colours and grout colour is, in my opinion, the most important thing. The choices you make will either make your picture leap into action, or lie flat and lifeless. I know, I've had both. The project I am working on are two roosters for the Royal Winter Fair (2011 submission) The colours above best signify roosters; the background will likely be sky blue and green grass with corn sprinkled in it. I'm leaning toward a dark grout, however that will be determined down the road.

Mosaic Tools of the trade

I prefer to use glass so therefore the above items are for this useage. When people use true mosaic material, they require a tile nipper, purchased at any home hardware store. The above items are a glass scorer (to create lines), glass cutter or nipper, flat plyers to break the glass, a glass cutting mat (not shown), protective eyeware for flying shards and of course, bandages. I like to use Weldbond glue for my projects. It dries quickly and clear. You will need a base for your project. At the beginning, it is best to use a flat surface. Afterall, you are just learning. Eventually you can migrate into 2 or 3 dimential projects.

How to Start a Mosaic

First of all, you need a spot of tea with lemon. It's a great way to be invigorated and start the plan. Of course, a design or template is necessary. In the case following, we will commence by creating a rooster. The best designs are simple in nature. You can gather inspiration from comic books, colouring books, nature (I love fall and spring maple leaves for their simplicity and colour). Aquariums, people, animals, houses and communities also offer inspiration. I have often put writing in my mosaics as well. The key element is to keep it simple.

The Royal Winter Fair Art Exhibition

For those of you who have not been to the Royal Winter Fair in a while, relive your past and visit it this year in November. Not only do they have wonderful artist exhibitions, but they have gardening and sustainable living displays, lots of animals (for the kids) and food kiosks to whet the appetite. I am currently working on the 2011 submission, titled Royal Rooster. A chronology will follow as the work progresses.