When I was in third grade, I arrived home after school with an art project that had some sort of bad mark from the teacher, because I’d done the tree “wrong”… I don’t remember much about the actual piece, but I do remember my mother marching over to the school to read that teacher the riot act. My mom was always my biggest fan and supporter, and would not have anyone trying to suppress my creative spirit. Thanks, Mom!!!

I have always wanted to explore ways to make pleasing and interesting things. Over my lifetime these have included (in no particular order): sewing, quilting, paper quilling, batik, calligraphy, ceramics, welding, acrylic pour painting, alcohol inks, sculpture building, cement casting, print-making, collage, watercolor, cooking, Japanese brush painting, polymer clay, epoxy resin craft, glass fusing, and of course, mosaic art. Even now that I’ve “become” a mosaic artist, I still constantly seek ways to go beyond the inherent limitations of the medium.

I’ve struggled with the idea that I should have a consistent “voice” as an artist. But you can look at the pieces I’ve created over the years and see abstracts, landscapes, whimsical pieces, representational works, big art and tiny art, indoor art and garden art, 2D and 3D. I see artists that have a clear style and I admire (and even envy) that, but I also know I would feel restricted before long. At my ripe age, I’ve finally surrendered to the reality that I constantly need to explore and combine media just to see how it looks… and yes, I’ve had some definite FAILS, but learning and trying new things is what brings me joy.

I also enjoy volunteering at the local farmers market, teaching at my home studio and the Bend Senior Center/Larkspur Community Center, playing in the metal shop at the DIYCave, hand-building ceramics at Mud Lake Clay Studio, and being in our wonderful home with my lovely, tolerant, and supportive husband, our 4 dogs, and 2 cats.

Carleton Manor Mosaics
jesica@carletonmanormosaics.com

**NO SOLICITING OF ANY KIND**