Writing Season One

My work is inspired by the mosaic artists of antiquity

When I was in college, too many years ago now to admit, my major was a tailored one: humanities. This catch-all major was a combination of art and literature. I loved my studies. In literature I read some fascinating books: The Tale of Genji - this was an intriguing novel written by a woman in 11th century Japan The comedies of the Greek writer Aristophanes - I had to translate his play, "Frogs" and remember spending hours trying to choose the right word to fit with what I hoped was the author's original intention in the Greek Shakespeare...of course, Shakespeare... Read more →

Meet mosaic artist Kim Finlan from Chico, CA

One of the joys of being an artist in any medium is that of getting to know other artists. Artists speak a special language and all seem to understand the mysteries and challenges of having a creative nature. One artist I know lives in northern California, in the college town of Chico - the home of Chico State University, and quite a home for the arts. Besides being a musician, Kim Finlan is also a mosaic artist. Recently I invited Kim to share with me some thoughts: Q: Why did you choose to start working in mosaic art? What about... Read more →

Tiny Mosaic Tiles of Amazing Quality

As an artist it's not my habit to endorse any product or service. I might give praise to products and services, but it's not often I come across something that I'm so absolutely in love with that I'll say: Yes! I recommend this product. [My recommendations are never meant to be endorsements of others' satisfaction but when I do give one it means I haven't been disappointed.] Such is the case with Tiny Tile Mosaics. When I began looking for materials to express my mandala designs, I searched locally in the craft stores where I live. Not finding what I... Read more →

Making the artistic process pleasurable

There are some activities in life that, while we are in the midst of them, all we can think is that we wish we were done with them. Cleaning the bathroom is one such activity. While in the middle of scrubbing the toilet I wish I were completely finished with the whole job and didn't have to think on it another moment. There are other activities that we do rather mindlessly, not giving any particular thought to. I'm one of the really weird people on the planet that likes to do ironing; not because I like it, but I find... Read more →