Engagement
“Clarity emerges when focus is engaged.”
Anesu Masamba
For those of you that don’t know, mosaics are a form of self-care for me which I have utilised for some time now. I must admit though, I have a love/hate relationship with this for a number of reasons.
Looking back at my photos as a form of diary, I began this journey in January 2022 when I popped into the local studio the month prior and began conversation with the art legend.
I began with my house number from precut shapes – I have a rather eclectic style. My numbers are quite abstract and fit me well. The artist did warn that mosaics are addictive and here I am with a few projects under my belt.
I then attended a couple of workshops. Folding and undulation was my first and here I did an abstract piece – a knitted piece with knitting needles which is hung on my wall. My second piece.
Since then, I have struggled. I began a project February 2022 prior to the above workshop in June. It was a mirror piece which I have formed a love/hate relationship with. I did a couple of months then was really excited in the knitting, which I did finish. My last photo of the mirror project was mid-March 2022. I then bounced between the knitted piece and a gorgeous bird bath made out of precut pieces. Thankfully I finished both.
My photo diary highlights that I then worked on the piece in October 2022 UNTIL the mannequin workshop in November and then I spent the next seven months birthing Dawn. After this, I decided to continue having a break and have nearly completed another knitted project from the undulation workshop.
I had a little break to continue other studies and this year was shamed into finishing the mirror piece. A change of day has assisted me in completing this huge task. A few weeks in and I managed to complete all the work and grouted this week. I have even managed to take the finished product to the framers and have ordered the frame.
I now realise that the message is perseverance. Yes, it has taken me (please wait as I do the math) – thirteen months to finish this piece BUT keep plodding along no matter what is happening. Yes, life can be difficult at times, but keep moving forward!
PS: it is now at the framers waiting for their magic to happen. Photo of finished product in a few weeks.