"Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials." -Wikipedia At the intersection of "skilled artisan" and mosaic art" you will find Ariel Shoemaker. Actually this talented artist found me. She makes original art in a traditional or contemporary style utilizing the ancient technique of mosaic. This tile style art, which dates back 4,000 years, is accessible today through her beautiful work. She recreates the mosaic craft with a fresh new spin to make unique works that perfectly reflect her clients. Ariel has a thriving business which she runs out of her home studio outside of Boston, MA. It is my pleasure to introduce her to you so, without further ado, here is my interview with Ariel and some very artful kitchens featuring lovely examples of her work. Artful Kitchens: What is your background? How did you get into creating with mosaic art?

Ariel: I earned my BFA in Writing Literature & Publishing from Emerson College in 2000, and my M.Ed in Arts in Education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education in 2004. From the moment I began tinkering with bits of glass in March of 2002, I was hooked. It was satisfying to create and also a nice relaxing diversion from the monotony of the everyday. Constructing art pieces from tiny pieces of broken glass and “found” objects 14 years ago, as a hobby, was also a way to distract me from the haunting memories of 9/11 and the seriousness of the world. I never in a million years thought that it would become a career, then friends, family and a small co-op gallery in Cambridge began to notice my work--and after years of marketing, developing a “brand”, a “signature style”, making connections and making work that truly comes from my heart, I can say I have a career as a Mosaic Artist.

Artful Kitchens: What has been your favorite project and why?Ariel: I actually don’t have a favorite, but I think that might be fairly typical for someone who LOVES what they do. Each project is unique, and I love that about my work.

Artful Kitchens: What do you do when you're not beautifying homes with your work?Ariel: I work nearly full time during the week while my children are in school and daycare (our boys, Simon & Max are 9 and 7 years old, respectively, and our daughter, Josie, is nearly 2 years old). And then there are many nights and weekends that I work to make deadlines, meet with prospective and current clients amd complete administrative tasks. Fortunately, my husband is an incredible dad, and his working hours as an eighth grade math teacher gives him flexibility after school to be with the kids when I need to work. We’ve developed a balanced partnership parenting our kids--and over the years, we’ve managed to work out most of the kinks. Having three kids and a career is truly a balancing act. I meditate every day and do yoga often. Both keep me a saner, calmer, and more focused mommy/artist/creative entrepreneur.Artful Kitchens: How do you come up with your ideas? What is the source of your inspiration?

Ariel: I am inspired by nature, music and other artist's work. I root myself In the colors I choose before setting out to design a piece, or to develop organically formed patterns that become the mosaic work. The results are unique, complex works that endlessly change with the light and one’s vantage point. Some evoke images of Gustav Klimt’s and Georgia O'keefe's more luminous works of art.

Artful Kitchens: Please include anything else you would like peeps to know about you and all the info we need to get in touch.

Ariel: In a nutshell, I create the highest quality customized mosaic art pieces and backsplashes for the residential, hospitality or corporate environment. I love working with interior designers, architects and home owners. We collaborate to devise a piece that will bring them the most joy. Please check out my testimonials on Houzz

To find out more about the process and the price to commission a custom mosaic piece of your own contact me via cell: 617-905-6629 or email: ariel@mosaicsbyariel.com

One week ago I had the pleasure of attending the first South Florida Chapter NKBA meeting of 2013. I was fired up by motivational speaker Dawnna St. Louis and her presentation about how to give your clients what they really want. I’m looking forward to more great events this year and to working with the enthusiastic board on the communications committee.Not only was it fun to get together once again with all my old kitchen friends but the beautiful venue was an added treat.We met at the amazing Walker Zanger showroom in Coconut Creek Florida. Walker Zanger is filled with designer eye candy! As soon as I walked in I felt an irresistible desire to explore every nook and cranny. Then I decided, if I were to do that, why not nab a tour guide? I found just that in Branch Manager, Drew Rust.He explained that Walker Zanger has been around about 61 years beginning as a maker of marble tops evolving into a chain (15 ) of designer showrooms offering all types of tile and stone slabs from around the world. Their products can be seen at the Bellagio in Las Vegas as among many other notable locations. The showroom featured beautiful examples of glass, marble and all the usual materials we’re used to seeing tiles made out of. So I asked him, “what’s new”? He promptly introduced me to the AnTeak Collection which is, you guessed it, tile made out of teak! It’s new, gorgeous and can be used in both flooring and wall applications. In addition to this they are working on a surface treatment that will allow it to be used on shower walls! The offerings at WZ are upscale to be sure but the nice thing is that often a little goes a long way. Consider a border or an accent tile and you could get a lot of bang for the buck. Sometimes less is more. Speaking of budgets, WZ does offer some more affordable options as little as 2.50 per square foot. Hours are Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30. You are welcome to have a look around but bring your designer if you want to seal the deal. I'm sure Showroom Manager Deanna Dolfi would be happy to show you around!

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