Meet PieceMaker, Ocean Kisses

This is the third interview in our series, Meet the PieceMakers. Read on to learn more about our wonderful PieceMaker member, Ocean Kisses!

What's your real name?

Patsy, but my friends call me Patti and I usually introduce myself as Patti. Only my family call me Patsy.

How long have you been creating mosaics? What was your first piece?

I've been creating mosaics for about 3 years now. Someone gave me a mosaic "kit" with a frame and a small box to mosaic in it. The first piece I did without a kit was a back splash for behind my bathroom sink.

What other art do you do, if any?

I also paint, do stained glass, write, sew, and I play guitar and write music.

"Ocean Scape"

What kind of shows have you been a part of? Have you won any prizes or gotten some kind of cool recognition for any work?

I've never really entered any kind of contest with my mosaic art except with the PieceMakers team and I did get first place once. My paintings have been displayed and sold in galleries.

What would be your dream to mosaic?

I would like to do something large. I'm thinking of cutting out a design in wood...a large design and mosaicing that.

Is being an artist your full-time job? What other jobs or hobbies consume your time?

I wish I could make a living as an artist but so far that hasn't happened. Until it does I have had a house cleaning business since 1980. I have just opened a new transcription business at home and am training for that so that I can get out of the cleaning business. I also have my vintage shop on etsy http://oceanvintage.etsy.com

Tell us ,briefly, about your family or your daily life or about the area where you live.

I live in Southern California. The city I live in is inland from the beach communities so it is much warmer and mountainous. There is a huge flock of wild parrots that fly over my house every morning, sometimes landing in the tall trees or telephone lines to squawk and play. They hang out for about 20 minutes and then leave. Just before the sun goes down, they fly over again but usually do not stop. I do not have any children. I share my life and my home with a very mellow man, a White German Shepherd, a cat, two doves, and two Cockatiels.

What are some of your favorite things about being part of the PieceMaker group?

This is a great group. It's informal and easy-going. I have enjoyed getting to know all of the members and have found everyone to be happy to share information and lend support. I love that there are themed challenges to make me think outside the box and do artwork I might not have thought to do.

To contact Patti, or see more of her work, click any of the blow pieces in her etsy shop:

Etsy Oceankisses