As an exercise in taking my art seriously, I applied to the Mosaic Arts International competitive exhibition with my work “Relationships”. It was just an exercise- to get used to applying for competitions- I never dreamed in a million years that I would actually be accepted. Well, faint and fall over- I was!!! This competition is in conjunction with the annual Society of American Mosaic Artists Summit which is held each year in a different part of the country. (It will be held in Austin, TX in 2/11)
It’s well attended by Mosaic artists from all over the world. The biggest names in mosaics attend and- luckily for us, teach workshops. I’ve been to several – the workshops are invaluable. My first thought when I read the email telling me I’d been accepted (after the shock passed!) was a deep feeling of gratitude for all of those artists that give so much of themselves through teaching. It’s really all I’ve been able to think about- those that encouraged me and taught me. From my first teacher, Sonia King- who I was lucky enough to “find” in Dallas and who still inspires me through her cutting edge art and her advocation of taking mosaics to a higher plane; Emma Biggs and her wonderful workshops on design (in which the inspiration for this piece was born); Sherri Warner Hunter-who is fearless in exploring new techniques and avenues for her art and her advice to “think big”; my friend, Lynne Chinn who gave me honest and valuable critiques; Carolina Zanelli who taught at the Spilimbergo mosaic School in Italy- the best class I’ve taken on mosaic techniques; Sophie Drouin & Bill Buckingham’s “Listening to the Rocks” workshop.
The mosaic world lost a great champion when Bill lost his battle with prostate cancer last week. He did so much to promote mosaics- the Mosaic Atlas, Mosaic Yearbook, and the fine magazine Mosaic Art Now. He did much to encourage me with this work and most of the material I purchased from him. He was a friend and I’ll really miss him. Strange as it might sound- I felt his “presence” when I read my acceptance e-mail.
I’m going to use my blog to also thank all of my friends that encouraged me and helped me along the way-Richard who edited my artist statement; Linda who made my art look beautiful with her wonderful photography; Lisa, who tried to teach me how to draw!; Doug, who sat on the floor with me when I first began this project and played with marble tiles to try to get the ideas flowing. Also, my niece Robin (the real artist) who encouraged me and told me “Any one can learn to draw”. Finally, my Mother (from whom we got the “artistic gene”) who encouraged me to appreciate art-even thought she would not let me use her “expensive oil brushes” (but did let Barbara Wells!) I never found my “medium” while she was alive- I guess a part of me wanted to show her I could do it- I wish she were here to share this moment.
