Kracked Up Mosaics

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I was born in Florida, grew up near Washington D.C. and returned to Florida in 1971 (The picture to the left is of 'my neck of the woods', here in Florida). 
 I have been married since 1969. 

My husband is my sounding board.  I drag him into the studio when I am unsure of a particular direction.  Often just explaining the situation, solves the problem for me and if not, he is always ready with an answer.  I am lucky to have him.  We are the parents of two wonderful grown daughters.  Our eldest daughter lives in northern Florida , married a great guy and they now have the "best grandson ever!".  Currently she is busy being a Mom and is a professor at a north Florida University.  She is still the best coach and professor ever though.  Our youngest daughter lives in Central Florida and has strong artistic abilities.  She is Mom to grandson  No. 2 (another "best ever") and we couldn't be happer with the new grandbaby or the new Son-In-Law! I am currently (gently) pushing her to join me at shows with her own booth.     She is a Licensed Massage Therapist....the best ever!   (The daughters have to share the "best ever" titles and now they also have to share it with my Son-In-Laws and Grandson and...)  If you come to my shows, you might catch my husband helping me to set up or take down, and one of the "best ever" daughters helping me during the show itself. 

Although mosaics are an ancient art, it is never "old" for me.  Each piece is different, either because of the shape of the object or the materials used to create it.  This keeps the art new and creates tremendous opportunities to learn and grow as a mosaic artist.  I enjoy the challenge.   I was asked by  a fellow mosaicist, "How do you know when you are good enough"?  I believe you are never good enough, you can never stop growing, searching or reaching for new experiences.  If you are "good enough" you will stagnate.  I hope to never be good enough and that I will always be searching a new mosaic path.

Vicki

Fall of 2011:

Vicki went where?....

We went to Barcelona for 4 days, prior to a Spanish Mediterranean cruise.  After all the comparisons, I just had to go see for myself.  There are some obvious similarities, but to be compared to Gaudi...that is the biggest compliment I could ever be paid!  Barcelona is a mosaic artists paradise.  Stores, apartment buildings, houses, benches, sidewalks...you name it and you could find it mosaiced.   The Parc Guell was a most amazing place.  I'd seen pictures, had it described and still I was awe struck.  Gaudi was certainly a master architect and mosaic artist who was way ahead of his time. 

Between the mosaics and the food (and the Sangria) it was difficult to leave Barcelona for the cruise.  While cruising we visited Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, Alhambra and Gibraltar.  Speaking some of the language (passable only) made it fun to interact with the locals who often laughed at my grammer and pronunciation, but we were understood.

I managed to pick up a number of fun things that will be incorporated into my new pieces...be on the look out for small Gaudi dragon replicas and some Spanish influenced wall pockets.

We had so much fun and found Spain delightful in every way.  I would certainly like to return some day and see even more of the country.

I don't know what (where) is next, but I am already looking forward to it.

See you soon!