©2013
Schandra Zmijevski
Since I was young I have had a profound admiration for artisans and often observed my mother using different techniques to create art. I always envied her and felt frustrated at not being able to produce art with the same level of skill. However, at a later age, I was able to invest time in taking art courses that led me to where I am today.
I started by doing a variety of art projects such as macrame, painting, and furniture restoration. Using seeds to make Mandalas led me to doing mosaics. With an extensive knowledge in combining colors, and an increased knowledge and ability in the mosaic making process,I was able to create mosaics that were well received. Looking at my work brought me enormous joy and self-pride which increased my enthusiasm to invest more time in the art of mosaic. I felt that I had finally found my niche. Mosaic is a perfect match for my needs and interests. It also has a therapeutic effect on me. My first work in mosaic was a table top. For about 2 years I used ceramic tiles, which I cut and shaped to give the mosaic form. I like to use rustic material, so ceramic tiles, including old ones, are perfect! I utilized all types of tiles, with smooth or rough surface, coloured in one or several colors. The use of tiles became my personal brand and also kept the cost of my work much lower. I favoured recycling old material into a pieces of art!
©2013
Schandra Zmijevski
Everything has a price so, with the time my body started to feel the hard work of cutting the tiles, and I felt the need to start using lighter materials such as “pastilhas” (tiles) which are much thinner and easier to cut. Because they are less time consuming, I noticed a significant increase in my productivity. Later on, I also introduced other materials such as glass. In Brazil, we use glass painted on one side and glued to the base of the piece being decorated. It is a new technique. We utilize the “vidia” (tile cutter) to cut and to take off the large pieces giving the mosaic a cleaner look with less fitting. The glass that I use is 2mm thick which makes it easy to cut, it is also less costly. Then I color it with a glass paint mixed with purpurin (a powder added to glass paint).
Not long ago, I was introduced to the Picassiette technique which enriched my work by giving me more ideas to create work with texture and fixation leading me to develop more contemporary pieces. I find myself taking small steady steps toward art creation. I love to see what I produce and I enjoy the learning process. Although I am quite experienced on working with mosaics I acknowledge that I am still growing professionally in the wonderful world of mosaic art.
Further information can be found at
http://www.schandramosaico.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/schandra.zmijevski
and
http://www.flicker.com/photos/schandramosaico