A Tragic Loss

I am compelled to speak of the tragic fire on December 2^nd where 36 people died many of whom were artists of various talents. The Los Angeles Times did an article on the people that died and interviewed family, friends, or colleagues that had known them. http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-oakland-fire-victims-2016-htmlstory.html

 As I read this article, I kept hearing about people who were kind, caring, quirky, fun-loving, thoughtful, and talented. Many had come here to the Bay area and stayed because they had found a place where they were accepted and encouraged to be themselves. Some people want others who are different to fit into a mold that “society” says is the “norm” and try to sell it as “you can be so much more”, but trying to fit into someone else’s or society’s mold only makes you less. It is soul crushing. 

The Institute of Mosaic Art started out in a converted factory off the Fruitvale exit not far from the Ghost Ship warehouse, and that is where the comparison ends. Fortunately, Laurel True and her partners were able to update and renovate the Institute. That is where I started taking classes in mosaics in 2005. I was in a precarious emotional place at the time, and this warm and caring artistic community welcomed me and gave me a safe haven to heal. There were no expectations that I needed to fulfill. 

At first, I felt like an impostor as they immediately referred to me as a mosaic artist, but then I started to evolve into my own style (still evolving) of artist, and realized that if others see you a certain way and encourage you to be what you so very much want that you eventually will become some form of that. And by some form of that, I mean that we are all different and a true expression of self is unique.

In this way, I feel a kinship with these struggling artists who found a safe haven where they could be free to laugh, dance, and celebrate their incomparable selves. My heart grieves that they had to die in such a manner, and to all of you who lost a love one in the fire, I am so sorry for your loss.  

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE!

I hoped that when I started my college classes I would have time to work on my mosaic since I was flowing (and glowing ;) with inspiration, but no not at all. I looked at my last post on July 4th and was stunned that all this time has gone by. Here is where I am now with the mosaic.

As you can see I added more to the leaf design, and an embellishment to the design to the right of the leaf. I may remove that since I am not sure I added it because I really wanted to or because I felt I had to do something and splat! There it is. Now, I am sure about the key design, even though I just barely started it.

But the good news is: I started it! That sometimes is the hardest thing; deciding on the glass. I almost wish sometimes that I didn't have so much glass to choose from, but not really.
This mosaic started as a piece that was going to have an orange and red background with all the designs emerging from the background. But now I can honestly tell you that I do not know what the background will be. I am going to trust the process and let myself go with whatever glass and patterns speak to me. Art can be like life; you cannot force it to be beautiful, harmonious, or joyful; you just show up, put your heart into what you are doing and hope for the best.
I am cramming for my finals that are next week. When they are done I intend to throw myself into my mosaic and finish it, finally. I have prepped a butterfly-shaped base for my next mosaic. But we will see...
I have the feeling that when I get back into this mosaic, its intoxicating possibilities will draw me in and I will not be able to think of anything else until it is finished. I hope to have it finished before Christmas or the New Year. Let's see what happens...