A self-taught artist, I've just always loved to make things. As a child I'd find myself rummaging through the house looking for some old junk that I could use to make into something pretty. An old box would become a doll house, an old silk tie a doll's dress.
My love for creating with found objects has led me to several art forms over the years, including soft-sculpture, collage and finally to pique assiette. In this form of mosaic ceramic shards, beads, glass and other non-traditional materials are used. One day about five years ago, my creative energy was sparked as I watched a woman cover an entire chair with pieces of broken china. I immediately went hunting for some plates to smash. After experimenting with a few vases and mirrors, I was hopelessly hooked. My favorite pieces are my apple wallhangings, and they seem to be the work others are most drawn to as well. Along with mosaics, I have a passion for the Italian language. Mela means apple in Italian, hence "Mela Mosaics."
It is my desire for all of my work, from the very detailed to the more random and whimsical to have a positive, warming energy. I love mosaic art as it continues to be at once both soothing and exciting, and to take me into new and unexpected directions.
Favorite Quote:
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
-Goethe