I make contemporary mosaics using ancient tools, techniques, and materials. I combine classical handmade Italian glass smalti, 24K gold tesserae, iridescent Mexican smalti, vitreous glass, tiles, recycled ceramics, and found objects to depict everyday themes in abstract as well as more figurative forms — using themes from wine and cooking to love and politics, languages, and natural environments.

To hone my skills, I enjoy making replicas of ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine mosaics, and sharing the experiences of these masters of antiquity. Visits to ancient Roman mosaic sites in Italy and Spain are an important part of my artistic life.

My large-scale public mosaics are found around Santa Barbara and private commissions decorate many local homes. My mosaics have received awards, including for the Santa Barbara Beautiful Art in Public Place Sea Landing Walkway.

My art studies began at the Art Institute of Chicago. Although I have worked in oil, watercolor, and printmaking, when I discovered mosaics in 1999 this medium took over my life and studio. I studied mosaic making in Venice and Ravenna, Italy, and Cuernavaca, Mexico.