Today we’d like to introduce you to Collette Mann.
Hi Collette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began creating mosaics in my thirties. I have always been drawn to tactile art forms—quilting, collage, fabric montage, clay, and, of course, mosaics. I find it deeply satisfying to bring together different shapes, colors, and textures, allowing them to speak to one another and form a cohesive work that tells a story.
Although my artistic aspirations often took a back seat to my nursing career, I never stopped creating. Art continued to call to me, no matter how tired I was after a shift.
Today, I feel fortunate to devote myself to art full-time. I also enjoy teaching and sharing my love of mosaics with students of all ages and generations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has certainly been a rocky road at times. Mosaics are incredibly time-consuming, so while I was working full-time as a nurse, I wasn’t able to create as prolifically as I would have liked. Finding the time and energy to balance a demanding career with my artistic aspirations was challenging, but I continued creating whenever I could. Those years taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of honoring the creative voice that never stopped calling to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create mixed\-media mosaics combining hand\-cut stained glass, polymer clay, repurposed jewelry, broken dishes, beach glass, and other found objects\. My figurative, story\-driven work draws on spirituality, cultural traditions, nature, folklore, and the connections that unite us\. I am especially inspired to create angels, saints, peace pilgrims, birds, and other symbolic figures\.
I distinguish my work by combining unexpected materials and handcrafting polymer\-clay elements for each piece, giving every mosaic a unique visual language and personality\.
I am most fulfilled when my art creates emotional connections, encourages compassion, or sparks conversations about harmony among cultures and beliefs\. I also value teaching mosaics to students of varied ages and abilities\. Empathy, patience, and the importance of human connection continue to shape both my artwork and my teaching.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’ll share my favorite quote.
“We are all mosaics of everyone we have ever loved”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ColletteMannMosaics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collette.mann.mosaics?stkn=MTJqNzV3MWdkcWtqMA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CFiFaAGsn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
