Kasia Polkowska

Collaborative Matryoshka Sculpture - A K+K Project

2012-01-29T17:29:00.002-05:00

The Matryoshka Doll sculpture was a collaborative effort between me (Kasia) a mosaic artist and Kyle a designer. We have collaborated in the past, but this is by far our most fruitful project to date. For a couple of years we've been toying with the idea of creating a mosaic sculpture. Finally when the doll came up, we knew that it was the perfect subject. The curves are pleasing to the eye and the form is suitable for applying a mosaic to it. Creating the form alone was a huge undertaking. Kyle spent weeks researching, sculpting and prepping the form for me to mosaic over. I've also spent weeks researching the doll, designing our concept, theme and colors, and fabricating the mosaic. Our doll is a youthful, curvy and joyful. She is a symbol of fertility as other Matryoshka dolls are. She is pure and vailed in white. Her eyes and the pin that holds her scarf in place are green like the jade stone which symbolized life and growth. Her belly, which will swell with life and protect her growing children, is covered with a lotus flower which signifies purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth.

Mosaic Matryoshka Sculpture (front view), mosaic by Kasia Polkowska, sculpture by Kyle Cunniff, 24" high, 2011

Side and Rear View of the Matryoshka Doll

Below are some photos of the process of the constructing and the sculpting of the doll form as well as of the fabrication and the application of the mosaic onto the form. These are only a few of the many steps we took to bring our doll to life. If you'd like to see more photos of our journey, visit Kasia Mosaics on Facebook.

Kyle creating the form of the doll


To the Left: The geometric plan for the Lotus Flower To the Right: Detail of working on the face

To the Left: Ungrouted Top View To the Right: Gluing piece by piece

Staying up late, working in in parts, hoping to finish in time for the exhibit

Matryoshka (Matrioszka) Doll

2012-01-23T12:17:00.001-05:00


Matryoshka Doll, stained glass mosaic on plywood, 30" x 23", 2011

This is the first part of the Matryoshka Project. Last year Kyle and I collaborated on a 3D Matryoshka Doll sculpture. We worked on the concept together. He designed and fabricated the 3D form and I designed and fabricated the mosaic pattern. This 2D doll was created by me to work out the design for the 3D doll. Though she took on a life of her own and became her own piece. I love the fresh and lively feeling of the combination of blue and green. I wanted her to look youthful, modern and full of good energy. Her belly is imprinted with the lotus flower - a symbol for purity and divine life. For me she is the symbol of a youthful woman, full of life and energy. As a nesting doll she is curvy and symbolizes the fertility of a youthful beauty. Below is some of the process of how she came to life.
Left: Color Concept Sketch Right: Black and White Mosaic Sketch

Mosaic Fabrication Over the Color Sketch

Left: Detail of the Cheek Right: Detail of Lotus Flower

Left: Progress of the Face Right: Laying the Tesserae

Left: Mosaic Taped and Ready for Gluing Right: Grouting

Night Owl

2012-01-20T15:38:00.000-05:00

Night Owl, stained glass mosaic on wood, 26" x 16", 2012 (available)

A few weeks ago I decided that this year I will finally start sketching out my ideas for a large series of work I've been planning in my head for the last couple of years. I won't get into explaining what it is just yet but it involves a bird - to be more specific a hawk. This bird will be a recurring character though out most of the pieces in the series (12 - 20 large drawings with mosaic counter parts). Because the project will be so large and intricate, I've decided to begin a study of the hawk to understand its physical structure so that I will be able to portray him (actually a her) as best as possible.

During my research, I kept getting distracted by photos of owls. After a few hours, I couldn't get the owl out of my head so I decided that the only way to be able to focus on my hawk was to first make an owl ... a couple of weeks later my 'Night Owl' is finished and I am so happy that I decided to go on a whim and make this playful piece. Rather than creating a full mosaic, I glued my owl to a panel of wood I stained to look like a forest at dusk. I was a little bit nervous about it but I think it turned out well.

Mt Elmore

2012-01-02T15:04:00.000-05:00

Kicking of 2012 with a new Vermont inspired landscape! I began working on this piece a few weeks back in December. It allowed me to time travel to a sunny spring day at Mt Elmore =)

Spring in Vermont is amazing to watch. Living in the Northeast Kingdom was filled with so many beautiful things but one of the luckiest things was witnessing the changing flower fields. Every week the grassy fields would be covered by a new color and a new flower. Each week I was surprised to see patches of yellow, white, pink, purple or orange. I watched in awe!

Mt Elmore, stained glass mosaic on board, 8.25" x 18", 2012 contact for price

Driving in Vermont is another phenomena. There are no billboards and everything is picturesque. While gazing out the passenger's window, I caught a glimpse of an extremely pink field. We were on the way somewhere and couldn't turn back to take a closer look or a picture but it has stuck with me because it looked so unique.

Then last spring, driving here in the Midwest, I've spotted pink flowers on the highway and was reminded that I wanted to recreate this in a mosaic. I looked through my glass and one green piece stood out to me as Mt Elmore so I decided to combine the pink flower field with one of my favorite scenic mountains. I got to watch Mt Elmore from my porch for half a year but my favorite view of it was also caught while driving. I liked seeing it standing alone, apart from the other mountains and I dressed it up with my own field of pink flowers.

Process shot of Mt Elmore. All the circles have been shaped and its onto the trees!

Messy process shot. The aftermath of shaping the little pink circles that are my flower field.

Matryoszka Collaboration with Kyle Cunniff

2011-12-02T22:30:00.003-05:00

Kyle and I have recently collaborated on a Matryoszka Doll Sculpture. Kyle sculpted the shape, we worked on the design together and I mosaiced the sculpture. In addition I created a mixed media 2D mosaic Matryoszka.. Here is a glimpse into our process. Go to Kasia Mosaics on Facebook to view the full album (you don't need a Facebook account for this). I'll try to post photos of the finished mosaics soon! Meanwhile if you are in the Chicago stop by Design Cloud Studios where you can see both pieces till January 7, 2012.

Design Cloud

2011-11-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

Its been a very busy month. Between planing a long distance move and finishing up a couple ambitious projects, I haven't found the time to post an important update about the latest exhibit I took part in. The opening was on November 17th. It was actually the grand opening event for Design Cloud in Chicago. It was a great party with live art and great energy. The show will be up till January 7,2012 so if you're in the Chicago area its worth a look! I have a brand new mosaic sculpture on display (collaboration with designer/artist Kyle Cunniff). In addition I have two 2D mosaics along with three charcoal drawing in the show.

Art For Heart

2011-09-26T12:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a little change of pace from mosaics, a glimpse at some of my drawings. This upcoming weekend I will be exhibiting 10 landscape and architectural drawings. One of the drawings will be auctioned of to benefit the Gift From The Heart Foundation as well as the Polish Museum of America.

Location: Polish Museum of America

984 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

When: Fri 7-11pm, Sat 12-7pm, Sun 12-6pm

Opening Reception: Friday September 30 7-11pm

Below is the flier with the event information.

Imagining Winter

2011-09-08T11:31:00.002-04:00

More Snow Is Coming, stained glass mosaic on board, 7 1/4" x 28", 2011

Here is my latest Vermont landscape. A couple years back while driving through VT in the winter I was completely mesmerized by the snowy, yet brownish mountain-scape all around me. Right away I wanted to capture it in a mosaic. This particular landscape also happens to be part of a series of mosaics of my favorite view of the green mountains as seen from the porch of the yurt I lived in while staying in Vermont.

Here are the triplets from my Bonnieview Farm Landcape Series all framed and ready!

Pink Floyd's Echos

2011-07-22T13:59:00.000-04:00

Last month, a friend asked me to listen to Pink Floyd's Echos; that was his one specification for a project he commissioned me to make. The rest was up to me. Here is a youtube video of the first part of Pink Floyd's Echos live performance at Pompeii (that was the main inspiration for the image).

Below are two photos of my mosaic interpretation of "Echos". Its a dynamic piece that changes with the light (special effects in glass ... fitting to interpret a song with such incredible special effects). Most of it is created with iridescent glass so I included 2 images to show how it can change with just a slight change of light or the shift of the viewer's head.

Echos, stained glass mosaic on board, 8 5/8" x 16 5/8", 2011

Some of the lyrics I choose to base my image on:

... And deep beneath the rolling waves, In labyrinths of coral caves, The echo of a distant tide ...

... But something stirs and something tries, And starts to climb towards the light ...

... Strangers passing in the street, By chance two separate glances meet, And I am you and what I see is me ...

... And no-one flies around the sun ...

... And so I throw the windows wide, And call to you across the sky ...

Click to read full lyrics

Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival

2011-07-15T12:58:00.003-04:00

Coming up during the last weekend of July, I will be participating in a very exciting group show at the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival. The exhibit will display "the works of contemporary artists of Polish descend who upon moving to United States became extensively “open” or “perceptive” to the ideas of their new culture and its existing art trends."

"Once a year, Logan Square's commercial corridor transforms into a full-blown arts district".

"This year's Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival features dozens of independently curated visual art galleries, interactive arts activities for the whole family, a spectacle of performance arts, and an electrifying music line-up on multiple stages."

"While the arts and music feed your senses, also enjoy craft beers by Revolution Brewing, gourmet mobile food trucks, an open-air market of local artisans and more!"

When: July 29 - 31, 2011 Friday 4 - 11pm, Saturday & Sunday Noon - 11pm

Where: Along N. Milwaukee Avenue between California and Kimball in Logan Square, Chicago

My work will be displayed at Unzipped II at the following address 2314 N. Milwaukee.

Cannonsville Reservoir

2011-06-12T13:35:00.000-04:00

Cannonsville Reservoir, stained glass mosaic on board, 10" x 13", 2011

A couple years ago - while spending a weekend in the Catskills in New York - I stumbled upon this beautiful place.

While admiring the beautiful scenery from the passenger's seat, I spotted a small clearing in the woods and asked Kyle to turn around. We follow the little path down to the reservoir and were greeted with this magnificent view! It was an accidental find but the image has stayed with me since. The shore made of stones and the hazy, old mountains in the distances were imbedded in my little artist register in my head. I knew then that one day I would recreate this view in a mosaic.

Above on the left is a in progress shot. You can see some of the little sketches I've made, trying to figure out how I'd like to cut the glass to get the desired effect. I used the nippers quiet a lot to shape the stones and the little ripples in the water - which is what created all the little glass shards in the photo to the right. I try to sweep often while I work, to avoid tracking the glass all over my apartment, where my studio is located. Sometimes I sweep the shards into a little mountain and only discard it after I complete the mosaic. Its a trophy of sorts. This one was particularly interesting.

To the right, is my mosaic with a different sky I first created. Despite making preliminary sketches, I had some issues when it came to the sky. After completing it and having lived with it for a couple weeks, I decided that the sky had to go! I knocked it of, and started fresh to get a much better effect.

Match Girl

2011-06-03T10:06:00.006-04:00

Match Girl, stained glass mosaic on plywood, 40" x 30", 2011

I just completed this mosaic for an upcoming show "Match Girl: a Body of Work by Kasia Polkowska" The exhibit is at the CMS Gallery @ the Chicago Mosaic School running from May 31st till July 27th.

The mosaic is based on an image I painted a few years back while studying at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. My original painting depicted the imaginary spaces I thought up while reading Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl" - one of the most memorable fairy tales from my childhood.

In the upper left hand corner (inside a room, among the apartment buildings) my mother is reading the story to me and my two sisters. As she approaches the sad ending - an ending I've heard before - I leap out of the room landing in the story. Though I am too late; all that is left of the little girl is a shadow surrounded by light, as her soul ascends to heaven.

"The Match Girl: A Body of Work by Kasia Polkowska"

2011-05-30T11:41:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, with the wonderful help of Kyle, Gavin and Mia, we installed the works for my upcoming solo show at the CMS Gallery at the Chicago Mosaic School. Please come out and join us for the opening reception this Friday June 3rd 6pm - 9pm.

Here is an excerpt from the press release by Gavin from the Chicago Mosaic School:

"This summer the Chicago Mosaic School Gallery is proud to exhibit fine contemporary mosaic work by artist Kasia Polkowska. The CMS Gallery seeks to exhibit the finest in mosaics, as well as supporting work in other media of creative expression. This show presents a range of Polkowska’s work in varying media including oil on canvas, ceramics, and contemporary stained glass mosaic. Born in Poland, Polkowska has lived in Brooklyn and Chicago where she now continues working in and deepening her mastery of the mosaic form. On her online blog,* she comments on her process, “I draw my inspiration from [… ] the endless magic, mystery, and magnificence of Mother Nature. I am particularly fascinated by mountainous landscapes, rock formations and natural patterns.” New work for this exhibit includes interpretations of Uxmal in Mexico in addition to a series of landscapes. The exhibit will be open May 31 – July 27, 2011. ..."

Located one the second floor of the building one block north of Irving Park Road, west of the Metra track at Ravenswood, just off the Brown line Irving Park “L” stop. Parking is available in front of the building on a limited basis, but there is parking on Cuyler and Ravenswood on both sides of the tracks.

CMS Gallery Hours:
Monday Closed
Tuesday 12:00PM - 2:30PM
Wednesday 7:00PM - 9:30PM
Thursday 11:00AM - 2:30PM
Friday 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Saturday 10:00AM - 12:30PM
Sunday 10:00AM - 4:00PM
Also by appointment.

Reliving Vermont

2011-05-23T13:58:00.004-04:00

Autumn Foggy Morning, stained glass mosaic on plywood, 7" x 28", 2011

While living in Vermont last year, this landscape became imbedded in my memory and in my heart. The first time I set my eyes on these mountains, I knew that I would never forget them. I first sketched this composition last year and shortly after made a mosaic based on it. Currently living in Chicago far away from the mountains, my mind lingers back to Vermont, to the porch from which I admired this very view. Working on a new version of this landscape allowed me to go back to this special place, a place I think of often.

Foggy Morning, stained glass mosaic on plywood, 7" x 28", 2010

The above, "Foggy Morning", is the first version which I built with the mountains right in front of me. On my porch where I saw the most beautiful scenery, heard the cayotes sing, the lambs cry. I felt the fresh rain drops on my skin, a hawk zoomed by my head only a few feet away, a humming bird hovered inches away above me while I snipped away at orange and yellow glass. This image brings back so many memories - it takes me back to a magical time.

Upcoming Group Show at the Black Cloud Gallery

2011-05-01T21:03:00.004-04:00

Come out this Friday to the opening of a group show I am participating in. The show is titled "She" and is taking place at the Black Cloud Gallery . My new landscapes will be on display along with the work of three other artists: Deva Suckerman, Chandrika Marla and Jane Michalski.

I dropped of my work today and was happy to see the work of the other artists so colorful, textured and so different from one another but at the same time complementing one another. It should be a great show!

There is plenty of opportunities to catch the show. The gallery is located at 1909 South Halsted Street in East Pilsen, Chicago. The regular gallery hours are 10am-2pm Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun.

Opening Reception: Friday, May 6th at 7-10pm
2nd Friday Art Walk: Friday, May 13th, 6-10pm

Fun With Iridescent Glass

2011-03-14T15:37:00.002-04:00

Untitled, stained glass mosaic on board, 5"x11", 2011

Lately I've been having fun making lots of small landscapes. I think this is one is going to be one of the last ones for a while, as I am getting ready to start a new series of work.

I thought this would be fun to post because of the iridescent quality of this mosaic. It starts out as a sketch, which I build upon. Though that's always a rough idea. I never actually cut the glass as drawn in the sketch - you can see that with the sky which I decided to change after I built the mountains. In the bottom two photos, the changing color of the glass is apparent. Most of the glass is iridescent gray and blue but it shimmers in the light as you look at it from different angles!

Autumn in Vermont

2011-03-11T19:42:00.007-05:00

View from Stowe Pinnacle, stained glass mosaic on board, 8"x18", 2011

Here is a photograph of my friend Sami and my boyfriend Kyle. They are sitting at Stowe Pinnacle, the top of a very nice hike in the Green Mountains of Vermont. It was a beautiful autumn day and this particular view made a lasting impression on me.

View From My Porch, stained glass mosaic on board, 8"x18", 2011

In this photo is a view of the sunset from my porch in Vermont. While living up there for six months, I've gotten to see so many incredible landscapes. This is one that I've captured with a photo and today recreated into another pleasant memory that has a physical form as one of my mosaic landscapes.

Here is a little glimpse into my studio. You can see one of my landscapes in process and all of my essential tools. I thought it would be fun to show my piles of glass, one for the mountains and the other for the sky. And finally the little shards of glass that are created while I trim and shape all the glass. While working, I kept sweeping them into a little glass mountain of its own. Its fun to watch it grow because it makes me realize just how many times I snip my tools go create all the little balls!

Wilderness Volunteers Online Auction 2011

2011-02-24T10:33:00.001-05:00

"Wilderness Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created in 1997 to organize and promote volunteer service to America's wild lands. We work with public land agencies including the National Park Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the US Fish and Wildlife Service."

I love and appreciate America's incredible National Parks. Since the American landscape plays such a huge part in my work and it is so dear to my hear, donating one of my landscape mosaics to the cause seemed only natural, To the left is "Landscape V" the mosaic available on Wilderness Volunteers Online Auction. A lot of neat outdoor related items and vacation spot and retreats are listed on the page - it is worth checking out and it supports a great cause!

The mosaic is created in stained glass and measures 3" x 6". It has an inner and an outerframe double to protect the glass from damage. The outer frame is made in oak, stained walnut and finished in a semi-gloss polyurethane. (For reference - All of the work on this website is framed similarly either in oak or in pine, stained in various earthy tones.) With the frame the piece measures 4"x7".

Here you can see the back of the art work. It is signed, dated and ready to hang! The starting bid is very minimal - this is a great opportunity to acquire a handmade item and to support the effort to maintain the beauty and order of our National Parks. Click Here for the actual listing. The auction begins February 28th at 12 noon and runs till March 15th 2011.

Launching a Facebook Page

2011-02-17T09:25:00.001-05:00

The last couple of weeks I've been debating whether or not to create a Facebook Fan page for my mosaic work. The social network won and I am launching Kasia Mosaics on Facebook! If you enjoy my work here, please visit the new page and show your support by clicking "Like" and if you leave a comment that would be even more appreciated!

I will still be updating this blog as I did before with new mosaics, process and inspiration photos, background stories behind the work and news about exhibits. Currently I am working on a lot of new work, which I hope to start uploading in the coming weeks. Pictures coming soon!

Vermont Autumn

2011-02-07T11:45:00.000-05:00

View from Killington, stained glass mosaic on board, 5.5" x 11", 2011 (available, contact for price)

The above mosaic is based of a photograph I took at Killington Mountain in Vermont this past September. It was a beautiful day and the cloudy but sunny atmosphere created a retro feeling - at least for me. The rolling mountains were dressed in oranges, ochers, and yellows with occasional green pines that concentrated on the highest peaks. Every time I work on a mosaic inspired by Vermont - a place very dear to my heart, I feel that I give back some of what Vermont has given me, which I cannot put into words.

No Particular Place

2011-02-04T09:53:00.000-05:00


Untitled, stained glass mosaic on wood, 7" x 13.5", 2011 (contact for price)

This is no particular place though it can be many different places. I often think off all the mountains that are out there scattered through out the world. Discovering new places and experiencing them first hand, gives us the opportunity to to be there in a very particular moment when the weather, the time of day and year creates a very special visual effect. Spring is coming but the air still feels like winter. The snow is beginning to melt to expose the natural patterns on the faces of the mountains that can only be seen as a whole from far away. That's one way of looking at it ...

Gray Scale

2011-02-03T14:59:00.003-05:00

Untitled, stained glass mosaic on wood, 7.75"x11", 2011

This above piece was inspired by a combination of places. The shapes of the rock formations and mountains come from the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Though the colors, the lakes and the atmosphere comes from a really magical place in Poland "Morskie Oko".

The above photo was taken in autumn on a gloomy, foggy day in the Tatra Mountains . Usually on those days, hikers are often disappointed because the magnificent views through out the hike are veiled in white fog. But on that day the surrounding views appeared in gray scale and were softly wrapped in white - the atmosphere was very unusual and we felt like we were on the moon. Out of the clearing we could see hints of the mountains coming into view and disappearing into nowhere. It was a truly magical day!

Currently I am designing a few other landscapes that will pay tribute to this incredible scenery. New landscape mosaics and photos from the trip coming soon!

1st Annual Art Bazaar

2011-01-30T18:34:00.002-05:00

Opening Reception: Friday February 4th 7pm to 10:30pm

The Black Cloud Gallery on 1909 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL

Come out this Friday to Black Cloud's first annual Art Bazaar!

All the art work on display during the month of February will be set at $200 each.

I will have three tiny landscapes featured in the show. The exhibit will include the work of over 20 artists in various mediums including painting, photography, mixed media and drawings.

I am currently working on a new body of work which will be displayed at the Black Cloud Gallery this coming May. Stay tuned for more details and photos of the works in progerss. Its going to be a great show!

Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows

2011-01-29T19:09:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, one of my mosaics "Day Dream" was hung at the Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics at the Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows at Navy Pier in Chicago. The rotating exhibit is put on by the Chicago Mosaic School in partnership with Navy Pier Chicago. Some of the current exhibiting mosaic artists are: Cody Abbott, Karen Ami, Sue Coombs, Margy Cottingham, Martha Crandall, Sophie Drouin, Carolynn Friedman, Sue Giannotti,Yulia Hanansen, Shug Jones, Gwyn Kaitis, Andryea Natkin, Mateo Randi, Laura Rendlen, Ilana Shafir, Laurel Skye, Diana Stevens, Mireille Swinnen, Conrad Winke, Paul Zanotti, and Dawnmarie Zimmerman. This is such a wonderful and varied collection of mosaics, that I highly recommend anyone in the Chicago area to make it out to the museum and see it.

Day Dream, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3 panels: 24"x12", 24"x18", 24"x12", 2009 (available at The Smith Museum of Stained Glass)

"As part of the mission of The Chicago Mosaic School, The Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics brings the finest contemporary mosaics - from emerging to modern masters - to The Smith Museum of Stained Glass at Navy Pier.

The range of work created by contemporary mosaic artist is broad, from soaring sculptural mosaics to utilizing advanced architectural techniques to the intricate details in micromosaics that are assembled with precision, utilizing a magnifying lens and tweezers. Contemporary mosaic artists use a variety of materials in their work, including vitreous glass tile, Smalti, handmade ceramic tile, porcelain, marble and stone to name a few.

The Gallery of Contemporary Mosaics is sponsored by The Chicago Mosaic School, the first school in America focused on preserving and promoting this fine art form. Since the school opened in 2005, students have come from all over the world to attend classes and workshops in Chicago. CMS courses explore a variety of approaches in design and construction of both fine art and architectural mosaics, from beginning to advance levels of study." -The Chicago Mosaic School

I feel so excited and privileged to have my work beautifully displayed among not just fine mosaics but also incredible stained glass windows created by renowned world-class artists such as Tiffany. Above are three of Tiffany windows which are displayed at The Smith Museum of Stained Glass. .

Tiny Landscapes 2

2011-01-14T10:30:00.005-05:00

Landscape 8, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3" x 6", 2011

Landscape 6, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3" x 6", 2011 (available)

Landscape 7, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3" x 6", 2011 (available)


*Landscape 4*, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3" x 6", 2011 (available)

Landscape 5, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3" x 6", 2011

This was a fun little project. After completing a small 3" x 6" landscape last week, I decided to play a little more with this size. I got to work with new colors and shapes with out the commitment that my larger pieces need. These little guys cleared my mind a bit and set the stage for something a little more time demanding.

The Chicago Reader

2011-01-12T23:58:00.002-05:00

Last week, my mosaic "Foggy Morning" was featured in the Chicago Reader in the Galleries and Museums section. Better scan coming soon =)

Foggy Morning, stained glass mosaic on wood, 2010 (available at Vale Craft Gallery)

Vale Craft Gallery January 7 - March 31

2011-01-04T18:10:00.003-05:00

"Enjoy some wine and cheese, mingle with local artists, and view our winter group show of fine craft. The show will feature decorative objects, sculpture, wall pieces, and functional art by over 50 local and national artists."

"Among the highlights will be: Chicago artist Judy Petacque’s new large-scale collages made with intricate handmade papers; emerging artist Kasia Polkowska’s stunning stained glass mosaic landscapes; Doug DeLind's new Raku-fired ceramic wall pieces; Steven Main's beautiful "Desert" and "Forest" series glass vases; and Anne Gary’s botanical porcelain platters fired with crystalline glazes."

Opening Reception: Friday, January 7th 5:00 until 8:00 pm.

Date: January 7 - March 31

Hours: Tues-Fri: 10:30-5:30, Saturdays: 11:00-5:00

Location: Vale Craft Gallery, 230 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60654

New Landscapes

2011-01-04T17:57:00.004-05:00

Landscape II, stained glass mosaic on wood, 8" x 17 3/4", 2011 (available at Vale Craft Gallery)

I began this landscape intending to create an image of Vermont's rolling hills during the fall foliage. I already had a great sketch and was only getting out the glass I imagined using. As I was pulling out the burnt, orange glass that became the mountains in this piece, the landscape in my head began to change rapidly. Some of the glass was actually broken into sharp, triangular shapes and images of barren, sandy looking mountains in the middle of nowhere came into mind. Though the color still reminded me of Vermont, especially one particular, cloudy day. I really liked the way that orange hills looked against the cloudy, gloomy sky.

Landscape III, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3 5/8" x 11", 2011 (available at Vale Craft Gallery)

Landscape III came about as I was working on it's bigger sister. I liked theses mountains and their colors so much, so you can say that I turned my head to the side and this is a view of a different portion of the same mountain range.

Mt Washington

2011-01-04T12:16:00.007-05:00

Mt Washinton, stained glass mosaic on wood, 9" x 5 5/8", 2011 (available at Vale Craft Gallery)

The above piece has been brewing and stirring in my head for nearly a year ever since last February, when along with a group of friends I took a mountaineering course in the incredible White Mountains in New Hampshire. We graduated by ascending the mighty Mt Washington, home to some of the worst weather on earth and the fastest wind speed ever recorded.

Peak of Mt Washington in the distance

To the left is a photo I took during the climb up, just as the peak of Washington started coming into view. At this point I was completely exhausted and this became the most physically and mentally challenging but also most rewarding experience I've ever had in the outdoors. We were above the clouds on a perfect, sunny and crisp winter day. The white snow was glistening in the sun light and I felt like I just dived into a National Geographic photo. It was one of the best days of my life.


Photo of a me and a friend in front of a ravine

In the photo above, in the background is an incredible ravine. I included this photo because the shapes in the ravine inspired me to break up the glass of the big white shape in my Mt Washington mosaic. I was so pleased with the above that after looking at it for long enough I had to make one more. I used some of the composition I really liked from the first piece but I changed the mountain to be pink like how I saw it before we began our ascend in the morning. This is what I imagine some of the mountaineers who set out with the rising sun. Some of the mountain was still in shadow but the very peak was already kissed by the sun and turned pink. .
Mt Washington II, stained glass mosaic on wood, 3" x 6", 2011 (available at Vale Craft Gallery)

Photo I took during the sunrise before the ascend.

Upcoming Show

2010-12-08T23:29:00.003-05:00

Come to Strictly Locals at 4866 N Clark in Andersonville, Chicago this Saturday December 11th at 6pm for the Grand Opening Party where I will be exhibiting my new mosaics!

Bonnieview Backsplash

2010-11-27T18:15:00.002-05:00

I created this custom mosaic to brighten up a farmhouse kitchen in Vermont, where the winters are long, cold and often gloomy. I used the outside scenery to conceive the design of the classic square pattern combined with the playful element of circle accents that follow the fluid lines of rolling hills creating a visually engaging effect.

An over view of the kitchen after the install.

A close up of the corner - because my mosaics are sight-specific, the design flows into a seamless transition from one adjoining wall to the next creating the optimum visual effect.

Autumn Day

2010-11-16T17:54:00.008-05:00

"Autumn Day", stained glass mosaic on wood, 36" x 24", 2010 (available)

I got the idea for this piece while hiking at Bear Mountain State Park. It was a crisp and bright day, everything was illuminated. We were a little short on time and couldn't linger around as long as we wanted to. While hurrying to make the last bus to make it back home to Brooklyn I got an idea. I created an imaginary character who would mark the way back to this day by building cairns through out the woods. Before leaving the park, I found the perfect place with plenty of stones for my girl.

detail of above mosaic

Mixed Media

2010-11-16T17:09:00.012-05:00

"Untitled", stained glass and custom ceramic tile mosaic on wood, 2010 (available)

A couple months ago, along with a few good friends, I took a wonderful ceramic class at Muddy Creek Studios in Vermont. With the guidance of a great teacher and artist Heather Stearns, I spent most of the class time practicing throwing bowls and mugs.

But as a little side project I experimented with creating ceramic tiles in the shapes what else but mountains =) I was very pleased with the outcome and incorporated the tiles into my latest mosaic. Combining these two mediums was very refreshing and I plan more to work on more mixed media projects in the near future.

Above I am holding a couple tiny mugs I made and below are are the products of the class. Most of the pieces in the front are mine and Kyle's.

2010-11-13T18:38:00.019-05:00

"Foggy Morning", stained glass mosaic on wood, 2010 (available at Vale Craft Gallery)

My friend Kristen gave me this accordion sketch book where I began to draw the mountains that I was so lucky to see change from hour to hour and day to day. One of my favorite sights was the morning fog. The days that I would wake up at early, early in the morning I was greeted with magical imagery of the foggy Green Mountains.

The above mosaic is inspired by the many beautiful early mornings I got to see in the Northeast Kingdom while I lived and worked at a sheep dairy farm.

A view from my porch early in the morning.

The pasture early in the morning just before I gathered the sheep for milking.

A Gift for My Mom

2010-11-13T17:41:00.003-05:00

"A Beautiful Day", stained glass mosaic on wood, 2010

I made this mosaic for my mom's birthday. I made "A Beautiful Day" for my mom so that despite the weather and whatever may be going on, she can always have a beautiful day. Her favorite colors are orange and yellow. Even though I created this piece in the summer, I traveled a couple months into the future to capture my favorite view of Buffalo Mountain in the brilliant autumn colors.

A shot of my work table and the preliminary charcoal sketch I made for the mosaic.

Here is a glimpse into my art studio in Vermont! It really made up for the lack of windows in my last underground spot in Brooklyn. The incredible view of the green mountains from my porch was more than I could have ever asked for.

Exhibit

2010-06-15T21:30:00.008-04:00

STUDIO 47 Gallery in Woodstock, VT

The Gallery just celebrated its 15th year anniversary!

There is a great array of art of all different styles and mediums on display.

The gallery proudly states that it is a place for people who love art.

Please do stop in and check out this great place where I have

about a dozen of my mosaic landscapes on display.

www.artpolonaise.com

Knife's Edge

2010-01-29T21:36:00.005-05:00

Knife's Edge, stained glass mosaic on wood, 10 1/2" x 24", 2010 (contact for price)

Over the last couple of months, I've been in a purple phase. It is such an intriguing color; we don't get to see it as much as the others. But when we finally encounter it, there is a much more captivating effect. I love seeing purple/violet sky; its always such a treat!

Shoshone Point

2010-01-23T14:21:00.001-05:00

Shoshone Point, stained glass mosaic on wood, 14.5" x 20", 2010

The above piece was inspired by another picture I took at Shoshone Point in Arizona.

The image wouldn't leave me alone, so I set out to bring it out and make it into a mosaic. Initially, I was going to stay pretty true to my photograph. But of course my mosaics have a way of taking a life of their own and evolving into something new.

The Power of Self

2010-01-15T21:32:00.000-05:00

The Power of Self
A competition about the potential of self-portraiture.

I've just entered this competition and hope it goes well for me. If you are visiting my blog and enjoy what you see, please vote for my portfolio on the Artists Wanted Site. Here is a link to MY PORTFOLIO Thank You to Anyone who casts their Vote =)

Here is a little info about the competition:
From Salvador Dali to Cindy Sherman the self has been the subject of all the art world's greats. The self-portrait transcends medium, style and period, existing in the vast space between the personal and prophetic. This competition is about your story, your image and the power they hold. This is the Power of Self. The panel of judges including actor Steve Buscemi, director/producer Chris Weitz, Guggenheim Curator Helen Hsu and Flavorpill Founder Sascha Lewis will select one portfolio of self-portraits for The Grand Prize.

Text taken from the original site www.artistswanted.org

The voting process is now closed. Thanks to Anyone who Voted!!!

Sunrise at Shoshone Point

2009-12-27T17:12:00.001-05:00

Sunrise at Shoshone Point, stained glass mosaic on wood, 5"x12", 2009

Recently I've been thinking a lot about sunsets and sunrises. Looking back on the landscapes I encountered on a road trip to Northern Arizona, a special place stood out in my memory. Shoshone Point at the Grand Canyon is a secluded viewpoint, where my friends and I hiked to for a grand view of the canyon at sunset. It was a mystical place ... words and pictures can't describe all that I saw and experienced there. These images of the sunset made me think of what a sunrise might look like among these jagged irregular, seemingly barren rock formations. I created this somber piece imaging this place on a cool morning, right before the first ray of sunshine hits the crisp sky.

Lake Powell

2009-12-06T12:57:00.002-05:00

Lake Powell, stained glass mosaic on wood, 9" x 18.5", 2009 (available at Studio47 Gallery)

(A few close-up detail shots)

This piece was inspired by the magical imagery of Lake Powell located between Arizona and Utah. Its a reservoir that was created by flooding Glen Canyon. Below are a few photos (at sunrise, day time and sunset) I took of this incredible, controversial lake.

I took a bunch of in-process snap shots. These show how I build my mosaics on top of a rough sketch. As I work, I try to keep to my original idea - in regards to the color palette and patterns, but spontaneity always finds its way. The pieces already laid down, dictate how the mosaic will evolve. Often I am surprised to how it veers away from the initial idea. Its a great process of discovery and surprises.

Watching the Sunset

2009-12-06T11:41:00.001-05:00

Watching the Sunset, stained glass mosaic on wood, 15" x 40", 2009

(Below is a Detail Shot ... this image is a little bit sharper and truer to the actual mosaic ... the dark grout show well here ... also the iridescent quality of the glass was captured ... still working on figuring out the best way to photograph these works.)

This image is inspired by watching a sunset in the mountains. I find it to be the most amazing phenomena of changing colors - not just of the sky and the sun but as well the surrounding landscape, especially a mountain range. I love the moment when the mountains become purple, gray, blue silhouettes in the distance. I also enjoy observing others become entranced while watching the sun go down. Here aimed to depict a girl, completely taken by the moment and through this sublime experience, becoming part of the landscape.

Here are a few snapshots of the grouting process.

December Exhibitions

2009-12-05T09:40:00.000-05:00

During this month my work is being displayed at two exhibitions: Sticks and Stones @ Giacobetti Paul Gallery and Little Wonders @ LITM Gallery.

"Giacobetti Paul produce their second show in the heart of DUMBO's well established art hotspot, 111 Front St., with a handful of their strongest artists. Melzmuf's stoic stone and wood sculptures ground the space while the bold colors of Polkowska's cut glass landscapes command attention. Staehelin's abstracted landscapes paintings wash in gorgeous subtle palettes contrasted with her bold, minimal brushmanship. Powers painting compliments Staehelins, with tight imagery and a subtle hand in bold colors." Come and see the new work from the residents of MADARTS, have a glass of wine and meet the artists.

Opening, December 3rd, 5.30 to 8.30pm.

Regular hours, Weds thru Sun, Noon to 6pm.

111 Front Street, Gallery 220, Dumbo, Bklyn, NY.

The best way to get there is the F train to the York Street stop, down the hill a block and left a couple of blocks. The building is at the corner of Front and Washington.

LITM’s Third Annual Group Exhibition of Small Works. All works available to take home at time of purchase. Come and find your own little wonder or give unique, creative gifts to the ones you love! Artists Include: Sean Lugo, Jason Gluskin, Robert Piersanti, Megan Gulick, Minha KHAN, Danielle Scott, Nena Tahil, Corinne Dodenhoff, Maude Lemaire, Kasia Polkowska, Dominique Doktor, Todd Ryan, Spikytiger, Andrea Morin, Josephine Barriero, Kate Hoos, Joan Palmer, Kayt Hester, Mike Lindwasser, Melissa Marie Johnson, Luca Cusolito, Bonnie Gloris, Meghan McKee, Janet Kolstein, Max Ratchkauskas, Dave Dziemian, Joanne Simmons, Andrew Bovasso, Jade Kuei, Keith McGee, Beth Achenbach, Lau Gallico Klohe, Haas Colby and more!

Show Runs Dec 1 - Jan 3 Opening ReceptionTuesday Dec 1 7-10pm

140 Newark Ave (1/2 Block from Grove St PATH) Jersey City NJ

The Catskills

2009-11-08T11:05:00.003-05:00

Catskills, stained glass mosaic on wood, 2009

Over the Labor Day Weekend I noticed a yellow phenomenon at the foothills of the Catskills in Upstate New York. Everywhere I looked, there were yellow flowers - all different kinds. Bands of white were weaved through out with sparse accents of purple. This was so beautiful; the image of the lushes, green mountains rolling in this magnificent field of wild flowers made a unique impression on me.

I took a few snapshots of the magical, golden fields at the foothills of the green, ragged hills. Though it was much more captivating and powerful to experience this natural beauty in person

Here is a detail of my version of the flowers. And below is the inspiration I took from nature.

A New Character in My Work

2009-09-28T23:11:00.001-04:00

Day Dream, stained glass on wood, (3 panels: 24" x 12", 18" x 24, 24" x 12"), 2009 (available at The Smith Museum of Stained Glass)

My landscapes are usually void of a figure. Months ago I've given myself a challenge to create an environment especially for a character. I began with the left panel as a vantage point. I created a fairytale community in the mountains which awaits the arrival of its first inhabitant. In the center is my girl, sitting among the hills, daydreaming of one day living in a quaint mountain town. In the right panel, behind the girl is a door that may lead her to where she wants to go when she awakes from her dreams.

Here are a few shots of the grouting process, which is what really completes the image. I never truly can imagine how the piece will look with all the little, fine, black lines created with the grout. It is always a great pleasure and surprise to do this final step!

(better photo coming soon)

Miniature Landscapes

2009-08-17T17:53:00.000-04:00

This series is an extension of a concept I began to play with a few months ago; the idea to create landscapes that appear vast but at the same time can fit into the palm of one's hand.

When I work, there seem to be infinite possibilities of color combinations for the hills and the sky. The mountains on earth are living structures and constantly change. They exist in unique atmospheres which change color with the rising and the setting sun, which then changes the way we see the colors and the shapes of mountains.

The above scene was inspired by sand dunes on a bright day when the sky is a bit cloudy but still a rich blue.

This triptych is set at sunrise and focuses on sandy, rock formations in the desert.

I love deep color of the sky when a storm is coming. This triptych comes from thinking about pastures of green rolling hills right before the storm hits.

Each time we look at a landscape, it is with slightly different eyes. We also focus on different aspects of what is in front of us. Because of the different possibilities of seeing and mentally cropping landscapes, these scenes are sometimes expressed in a single panel while other times extend into a triptych, etc,.

Besides taking inspiration directly from what I've experienced in nature, I like to over exaggerate certain colors like in the scene to the right. Or all together make things up, like the bright lime colored hills with an tangerine sky.

Each individual panel is 5" x 4", made with stained glass and was created in 2009. This is an extremely playful series that will keep evolving over the coming months.

It is hanging up as an installation at Naidre's Cafe in Carroll Gardens at 502 Henry St. The work will be up through October 8th.

Purple Sunsets

2009-08-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

Both of these pieces are inspired by sunsets in the mountains. From an over look or a mountain top the distant silhouettes of the neighboring mountains begin to blend in with the horizon.

"Adirondacks", stained glass mosaic on wood, 8" x 11", 2009

As the sun sets, the green mountains begin to loose their color and morph into a whole new mountain range. These are not any particular sunset that I've seen but rather these mosaics express how I remember and reinvent a purple sunset in my memory.

(Above is an image of the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York ... I took it from the top of Blue Lake Mountain just as the sun was setting ... we actually had to run down the mountain, to race with the setting sun ... )

This purple scene, where the mountains and the sky are almost one, is right before the hour it becomes too dark to distinguish the horizon like from the defining line of the mountain range.

"Purple Vail over the Hills", stained glass mosaic on wood, 8" x 11", 2009

Open Studios

2009-05-16T02:29:00.000-04:00

Mini Landscapes

2009-05-11T09:22:00.001-04:00

My designs are often intricate and colorful. But last week I simplified my ideas. I began with a really small piece 5" x 4". Instead of building mountains filled with layers of colors, I looked for a whole mountain in a single piece of glass. I was lucky and discovered two little green mountains and a perfect blue sky. I really like this piece because it fits in the palm of my hand but at the same time reminds me of the vast hilly landscapes I love so much.

Untitled, stained glass mosaic on wood, 5" x 4", 2009

I found the above piece so much fun that I went on to create more. I began with one 5" x 4" panel and continued a panoramic scene until I got to see the view I was looking for.

Untitled, stained glass mosaic on wood, 5" x 16", 2009

Work In Progress ...

2009-05-07T11:14:00.000-04:00

I've made this piece while imagining a fairy tale house in the mountains. One little house evolved into a little community of houses that live in the mountains. No humans inhabit this town, yet. The homes are lonely and are waiting for the inhabitants to arrive.

This will actually be the first panel of a triptych I am designing. The next panel will be the middle one. In it will be a little girl dreaming of living among the mountains.

Untitled, stained glass on wood, 24" x 12", 2009

To the left is a detail shot of the little circles found in the core of the mountains. I've always found mountains magical and mysterious beings. Here beneath the lushes green coat of the mountains are found many, many pebbles. This is what the character of my fairytale images that mountains are made of.

Latest Work

2009-04-14T16:43:00.001-04:00

Ivory, stained glass on wood, 12" x 24", 2009 (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

Sometimes I am fascinated by the many colors that can be found in a single sheet of glass. In the above piece, I only used two different sheets, but there is so many interesting colors to be found. I really like the subtle effect of this simple combination.

Untitled, stained glass on wood, 12" x 8", 2009 (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

While working with a limited palette of just two colors, I was inspired to add a few more, but only ones that I found withing the glass. I created these three pieces by adding brown, purple, yellow and ivory.

Untitled, stained glass on wood, 12" x 8", 2009 (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

These four pieces along with another are featured this month at a wonderful coffee shop "Bitter Sweet" in Fort Green, Brooklyn @ 180 Dekalb Ave.

Untitled, stained glass on wood, 12" x 8", 2009 (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

Inspired by Water

2009-02-19T09:28:00.001-05:00

The Rising Sun, stained glass mosaic on wood, 9" x 18 1/2", 2009

While working on the above piece, I thought of a sunny day when the ocean appears as a deep, rich navy color and is filled with lots of large, breaking waves.

In the piece on the left, I tried to convey a more tropical ocean, where the water appears more inviting.

Aquatic Dreamscape, stained glass mosaic on wood, 7" x 9", 2009

All these three pieces are inspired by the idea of water. The rolling hill-like shapes from my landscape mosaics transformed into flowing waves.

This last piece on the right was inspired by an overcast day, when the whole atmosphere at the beach seems to have a haze over it. The ocean, the sky and the sun all appear a very similar color.

Overcast, stained glass mosaic on wood, 9" x 7", 2009

A Painting into a Mosaic

2009-02-13T16:10:00.001-05:00

"Alcoholism", stained glass on wood, 30" x 24", 2009 (available)

The above mosaic is based of one of my paintings "Alcoholism" acrylic on canvas, 24" x 18", 1999. I really like the imagery in this painting. It was fun to work on the various eyes and recreate the wacky critters scattered though out the painting. The original painting got damaged over the years but now its reborn in a mosaic form.

(detail of the bottle/woman)

(detail of the woman's face)

(detail of some of the critters)

(detail of some of the alcoholic's face)

Inspired by Nature

2009-02-13T15:53:00.002-05:00

These are titled "Inspired by Nature 1", "Inspired by Nature 2", "Inspired by Nature 3", and "Inspired by Nature 4". They are all stained glass mosaics on wood, all measure 12" x 12", (1 and 2 are from 2008) and (3 and 4 are from 2009)... (all four available at Studio 47 Gallery)

Triptychs

2009-02-13T15:12:00.003-05:00

"Phoenix Sun", stained glass on wood, 12" x 24", 2009 (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

This above mosaic is a larger, unetched version of the "Agate Triptych" below.

To the right: "Agate Triptych", urethaned, etched, stained glass on wood, 6" x 12", 2008.

I made it for a benefit silent auction at "Project Main Street's 3rd Annual Gala" to raise money for people living with lugarics disease.

After completing the mosaic I etched the three panels, then I regrouted it in black (to stain the glass) and finally I layered multiple coats of polyurethane to give it a satin finish.

Pigeon Mirror

2009-02-13T15:12:00.001-05:00

This is another collaborative project. Kyle Cunniff and I came up with this idea for the American Design Club's inaugural exhibition - "Outside of Sorts". (contact for price)

Unity on Earth

2009-02-13T10:43:00.001-05:00

"Unity on Earth", stained glass on wood, 20" x 16", 2008 (available)

This mosaic is based of one of my paintings: "Unity on Earth", acrylic on canvas, 20" x 16", 1999. I painted it when I was a teenager and the images stayed with me since. Today the original painting hangs on my living room wall. One day I thought, "That would make a great mosaic ..." so I got out my nippers. I had to work meticulously to sculpt out the tiny leaves, the little stars, to give life to all the little animals and flowers and to create a roaring fire and a flowing waterfalls.

(detail of left eye)

(detail of waterfall)

Dreamscapes

2009-02-13T10:01:00.001-05:00

In this winter scene I worked to create a clean, glistening, snowy image that gave the impression of the different colors visible in the snow when the sun shines brightly.
"A Winte (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

The mosaic on the right is of the next season, Spring. I wanted to make something with good energy, something that showed a better future. I made this one for a silent auction @ MadArts Gallery to benefit the treatment of a little girl who needs to get better.

"Green Dreamscape", stained glass on wood, 8" x 12", 2008

An Etching Effect

2009-02-13T08:36:00.001-05:00

The winter was coming and I began to daydream about mountains and the snow that was on the way. That's how my next mosaic came about: "Winter Dream", stained glass on wood, 12" x 30", 2008. (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

These two pieces are actually shots of one piece in two different stages. When I made the above mosaic, something felt unfinished so I etched the whole piece and regrouted in black to stain the glass. Initially I named the above piece "Winter Dream".

This final version of "Winter Dream" has a dirty, tainted look. It reminds me of when the snow becomes dirty and the mood of the dreamy winter landscape changes.

Mosaic Accent Mirrors

2009-02-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

These mirrors are 12" x 12" and are made with hand cut stained glass of various shades and kinds. I like coming up with new color schemes and really enjoy the simple pattern of free hand cut squares and rectangles.

I've sold these at the "Riverside Festival" in Coaxsackie, NY as well as at the "Brooklyn Flea" in Fort Green.

These make great accent pieces and presents. I like to use them as gifts and of course I have a couple hanging in my apartment. Only the Dark Green is Left (contact for price and other available colors)

Agate Landcape

2009-02-12T14:40:00.001-05:00

This is another piece that was inspired by examining agate stones. I found a composition that reminded me of layered rock formations I've seen in nature. A few months prior to completing this mosaic, I went on a road trip to the Grand Canyon region in Arizona. While working on my landscape, I thought of what I've seen on my trip and added a touch of my own imagination.

"Agate Landscape", stained glass on wood, 12" x 30", 2008 (available at Studio 47 Gallery)

"Agate Landscape" will be featured at the "Surface" Exhibition at the BAG Gallery at 168 7th Street in Brooklyn. The show will run from March 20 to April 2, 2009. Opening Reception is Saturday March 28 6pm - 9pm.

(Detail Shot)

This mosaic was featured on Art Underground at Walkabout Jones, a cool online magazine that offers "readers a polished assortment of essays, new journalism, art, music, film and social action."

Masters Mystery Art Show

2009-02-12T07:38:00.001-05:00

This is one of my first mosaics inspired by agates which are a microcrystalline variety of quartz commonly found in volcanic rocks.

I've made this piece "Orange Dreamscape" for the Masters Mystery Art Show 2008, a benefit fundraiser for the MFA program at Florida International University in Miamai.

"Orange Dreamscape" is only 9" x 6". This is a very small size for me. Before I became a mosaic artist, I was used to working on medium to large scale paintings and drawings. So I took it as a challenge to make such a small mosaic and to try to keep the composition pretty interesting.

I was very happy with the outcome of my small mosaic and went onto make a similar piece but a little larger. The mosaic on the right is "Dreamscape", stained glass on wood, 12 1/4" x 10", 2008. The slightly larger size allowed me to make a more intricate design.

Table Collaboration

2009-02-11T22:14:00.000-05:00

These two tables were designed for KPKC Design. KPKC was founded in Brooklyn in 2006 as a post graduate project from Pratt Institute. It began as a collaboration of Kyle Cunniff, an industrial designer and Kasia Polkowska, a fine artist.

The table was designed and built by Kyle Cunniff and the mosaic table top pattern was designed and created by me - Kasia Polkowska.
There are two different patterns that revolve around spirals and consist of hand cut circles and rectangles. (contact for price)

Illustration Turned into a Mosaic

2009-02-11T21:31:00.001-05:00

"In Stripes", stained glass on wood, 24" x 18", 2008 (available)

I based the above mosaic of off Gosia Polkowska's self-portrait titled "In Stripes". Gosia (my older sister) creates funky characters using the paint bucket program.

I love her illustrations and feel that they can become cool mosaics. The solid colors in the picture can easily became a pattern or can be cut out as a solid piece of glass - like the stripes in Gosia's shirt. I like to sometimes add a few larger pieces of glass to show more of the natural pattern in the glass. I also like the contrast between smaller and bigger shapes.

My Tribute to Hundertwasser

2009-02-11T17:03:00.003-05:00

This is one of my first mosaic projects. I've recreated Friedensreich Hundertwasser's painting "Winter Painting - Mister Snow", mixed media, 92cm x 60cm, 1966.

My mosaic version is made of various colors of stained glass. It's grouted in black and is glued onto a wooden board. It is 35" x 18". I completed it in 2007. I entered this piece into a mosaic competition at a mosaic tile company I worked at and it placed first in the artistic category.

I thought that Hundertwasser's paintings would translate really well into mosaics. I was looking through my Hundertwasser book and
when I turned the page and saw "Mister Snow", I knew I found my new mosaic. All the colors in the painting matched the scraps of glass I retrieved from the dumpster at the mosaic company, so its actually made from recycled materials.

Today this piece hangs proudly in my living room. After nearly a hundred hours of work, I have my very own Hundertwasser, or at least its as close as I'll ever get to owning one.

Here is an image of Hundertwasser's original painting next to my interpretation in a mosaic form.