I majored in Art at Radford University in Virginia and have always enjoyed the design process. The mediums I have worked in range from oil painting to pottery to textile design. In 2001 I visited a friend that had recently purchased a mosaic mirror from an art show, I was enchanted and my obsession began. The first year was a learning experience. However, it soon became apparent that I had to have an outlet for my creations and I began researching local (Central Florida) art shows. In November 2002 I was accepted into my first juried art show. I continue to show in many Florida venues including art festivals and galleries. In addition, I was fortunate to have a gallery exhibit "Interpretations" in September of 2005.
I was born in Florida, grew up near Washington D.C. and returned to Florida in 1971. 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 has moved back to Florida from Chicago and continues with her teaching and coaching career. Currently she is coaching both soccer and softball. She is the best coach and teacher ever. Our youngest daughter has become a Licensed Massage Therapist. She is the best therapist ever. (They have to share the "best ever" title) 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
ETC......
Rome
We made it to Rome. The picture is of me on a wall above the Tiber, in front of Castle Sant' Angelo, next to the Vatican.
It's an amazing city with amazing food and I found ancient mosaics that have given me a new perspective on my art. I did manage to get to Porta Portese (only a mosaicist like me, goes to a flea market in Rome!). I found a few things that will be included in my next few pieces and we got lost in the worlds largest flea market. Getting lost in Rome is okay because around every corner there is another interesting sight, fountain or trattoria should you get hungry. And the gelatto...whew...you'll forgive the few extra pounds when next you see me?
It was a wonderful trip!
Should you be following our trip schedules, we canceled the Panama Canal trip due to our daughters wedding plans....just couldn't fit it in. We are now planning on a visit to Barcelona, Spain in September or October of '08. I can't wait to see Gaudi's mosaics in person!
MEMBERSHIPS
Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA)
American Craft Council
Mosaic Artists Organization (MAO)
Daytona Beach Art League
PUBLISHED
Mosaic Art 2005 and Mosaic Art 2006, Mosaic Art 3 (2007), an international portfolio of mosaic art on CD-ROM
2007 2nd Place, Englewood Fine Art Festival, Englewood, FL
2006
Judges Choice Award, Images: A Festival of the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, FL
2nd Place, Englewood Fine Art Festival, Englewood, FL
Merit Award, Port Orange ArtFest, Port Orange, FL
2005
2nd Place-Fine Craft, Englewood Rotary Fine Art Festival
Award of Merit, Art League of Daytona Beach 14th Annual Trustees Awards Show
2004
1st Place-Crafts, Lake Mary/Heathrow Festival of the Arts, FL
Honorable Mention, Longwood Arts and Crafts Festival
2003
Best in Show, Crafts, Ormond Beach Art in the Park, FL
1st Place, Crafts, Lake Mary/Heathrow, FL
Award of Honor, Halifax Art Festival, FL
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL OF MY WORK IS ORIGINAL AND ONE OF A KIND AND IS COPYRIGHTED WITH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
NEWSLETTER
Twice a year I send out a newsletter (Spring and Fall). It will fill you in on my current shows and on new pieces I'm working on. In addition, there is a coupon in the Newsletter for 5% off all purchases when you present the Newsletter to me at my shows. Please email me at vicki@krackedupmosaics.com to be placed on the newsletter mailing list.
