Artist Spotlight: Part Sixteen

Because of our craft fair and the MS Walk this weekend, I'm a little late spotlighting this week's artist.  The artist I have for you today is Christine of Memories in Mosaics.  And what an artist she is!

Her work is just phenomenal.  It's hard to believe that she is a self-taught artist, specializing in th "pique assiette" or "broken plate" style of mosaics.  It's an extensive process to make each of her pieces, and takes her several days to complete each one.

First, she designs the mosaic and cuts the base from plywood.  She then begins the process by cutting away at each tile so it will fit into place.  Once the entire design is laid out, she glues down each piece and has to let it dry overnight.  She then adds the grout and has to let it dry overnight again.

During the first few hours, she has to spray it with water to keep the grout from cracking, and then once it's dry, she carves around each tile, gem, shell, and other object with a toothpick to be sure it's residue free and has a clean line.  Finally, she sprays the whole thing with a grout sealer and buffs the tiles.

Everything in her Etsy shop is a one-of-a-kind creation with it's own personality and color scheme that she designs with a ton of thought and care.  She primarily uses tiles that she hand cuts from plates she first selects. In her mosaics, though, you'll also find glass gems and tiles, ceramics, jewelry, doorknobs, and other found objects to keep things interesting.

I especially love her mosaic furniture and home decor.

To learn more about Christine's work and life, be sure to visit her very interesting and informative blog!