Just completed, this mesa near Chama, New Mexico is the place my husband proposed marriage. Twenty-seven years later, the place still captivates.

A course with Maestra Vera Belikova has prompted exploration and experimentation with hammer and hardie and the concept of “fuga”. Fuga is the effective use of the negative space: think “calm”, “absence/presence”, “meaningful emptiness”, “courage”, “light and shadow”. I’m loving the dynamic textures and shadows that are possible with these tiny shards of marble.

The abstract floral WIP is inspired by the original painting by Domingo Zapata, later rendered by Koko Mosaico for the 2013 Venice Biennale. I’ve selected a portion of the original to reproduce and revise. I revel in the bold outlines, hints of geometry, and yellow-rose color play. This one was started long ago, and I continue to work to bring it to a successful completion.