Natalie Baca is a wildly whimsical mosaic artist who works in a variety of mediums. This is a piece she made using one of the Crafty Chica Inspiration Card Decks!
I think she is so clever to use more than just tiles. She incorporates all kinds of textures and objects that make this such an interesting piece. Here is her web site – Nancy Baca Studio and her Etsy store. Stop by and say hi! And if she looks familiar, it is because she was featured in April on HGTV’s That’s Clever!
QUESTION: How do you go about starting a piece?
ANSWER: I am always scrounging for fun items to put into my mosaics, and most of the time I will come across an “object” that will inspire my new piece. For instance, a few weeks ago, I came across a ceramic bird figurine, which inspired me to mosaic a birdhouse wall piece. I enjoyed doing the birdhouse so much that I actually made several more!
Q: What inspires you to create?:
A: Besides being born with a burning desire to create, I would say there are a number of things that inspire me: my children, found objects, music, nature, new art supplies, travel, museums or galleries just to name a few.
Q: Why it is good to look beyond the usual?
A: Why be ordinary? In the marketplace, I believe it is easier for a consumer to purchase something that is a bit different than to pay good money for something that is like all the rest. There are so many good mosaic artists out there! Therefore, I strive to make my mosaics unusual to stand out from the rest.
Q: Your number one tip when making a mosaic project:
A: The key to a fabulous mosaic is grout color! Grout should enhance your tiles, not blend with them. If you have light colored tiles in your piece, you should choose a dark grout to make them “pop” and vice versa!
