Sweet satisfaction
In six months, we went from this…
…to this! I find it hard to believe that it is the same canvas.
To visit the mosaic’s new home, stop by the Traveling Tickle Trunk at 9923 82 Avenue. 
Love Letters
Title: Love Letters
Size: 48 x 36 inches
Mixed media: magazine collage, acrylic paint, sequins
Completed January 2010
Commissioned by the Traveling Tickle Trunk (visit the mosaic and the store at 9923-82 Avenue, Edmonton)
Details:
Mosaic process, July 2009 - January 2010
Completing the flower
A growing halo
The lotus and halo come together
The gold swirls emerge
Finished filigree
Poignant pointillism
Finishing touches
All that remains to be done on the Lotus mosaic are a few finishing touches. In the photo below, I am painting the border a deep purple. The green stripe across the top of the mosaic is a strip of painter’s tape, to ensure the border has straight edges. While it looks as though I am hovering in the air, I’m actually standing on a stool, as I am not tall enough to reach the top of the mosaic when it is on the easel.
Hidden within this picture are many remnants from an emotional week, filled with steep peaks and valleys. The camera lens on the table is left over from the photos my beloved took of a terrible house fire that killed my neighbor. It was awful. The red flags above my head were hung on Saturday night for a surprise birthday party my husband, family, and friends threw for me. It was wonderful, especially because I had absolutely no inkling about it. Although I am turned away from the camera, my baby belly became another source of stress as I spent 5 hours on Sunday morning in the emergency room. It was nerve-wracking but everything turned out to be okay.
Here’s hoping that the largest source of drama for this upcoming week will be the completion of the lotus mosaic
Seeing spots
I can say without a smidgen of doubt that I will never, ever attempt to do pointillism on a 12 square foot mosaic again*. I can say with the same certainty, however, that I am really happy with the results of my labour**. Next, I will finish outlining the gold filigree on the left side, paint the border a deep purple, and seal everything in a thick coat of acrylic gel. There’s really not that much left to do***!
*Probably not even a 1 square foot mosaic, either
**Purple dot-filled dreams and mild repetitive strain injury be-darned
***WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!
Happy New Year, everyone!
What can I say about 2009? A year ago today, my beloved and I were married in front of all of our family and friends. It was a great start to the following 12 months where we welcomed Ramona the puppy, went to Mexico for our honeymoon, and became pregnant with our first child. I also completed my first year of graduate school and started my research project for my thesis, which I hope to have finished before the baby comes in June 2010.
I have also grown as an artist by finishing the Morrisseau mosaic and the damask mosaic, beginning the gargantuan lotus mosaic, and featuring my work in an art show at the University of Alberta.
So, yes, it has been quite a year. My resolution for 2010 is to accept and embrace the changes that are on their way.
May your own 2010 be filled with health, happiness, joy, and creativity.
xoxox,
-Jocelyn
