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.
My journey as a mosaic artist began with simple curiosity. I remember discovering a library book filled with ancient Byzantine mosaic icons, and I was instantly captivated by their intricate designs and the stories they seemed to tell. This was before the age of online resources and the abundance of virtual courses, so I turned to the yellow pages, searching for a way to learn more. I found a local artist in my community who worked with tile and mosaic.
After those initial lessons, I became largely self-taught, relying on experimentation and a few workshops with fellow mosaic artists from across the United States.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When reflecting on my struggles as an artist, one of the main challenges initially was finding the time to create while working full time as a nurse. Now that I’m fortunate enough to dedicate more time to my art there is of course the challenge of finding the courage to express my own authentic voice. While I’ve always felt that I had something unique to say through my art, it has sometimes taken some courage . If I don’t create from a place of honesty, then any connection people feel to my work isn’t truly genuine.
Another ongoing struggle is resisting the urge to measure my productivity against that of other artists. Mosaic work, by its nature, is incredibly labor-intensive and the materials can be expensive. In a world that often values speed and instant results, creating a mosaic requires me to slow down and be present with the process. I cut every piece by hand and lay each one with intention, which means a single piece can take over a month to complete. Amidst the noise and pressure of our fast-paced world, I have to remind myself to quiet those modern voices and honor the deliberate, thoughtful pace that my art demands.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my earlier years, I was—and still am—a registered nurse. This background has influenced my approach to art, particularly when it comes to teaching. Today, I devote most of my time to creating portraits in the Byzantine style, which I interpret in a modern way. Teaching remains a passionate part of my work, especially with children and the senior population. I believe art has the power to heal, and I enjoy teaching workshops focused on stress management and collaborating with non-profits for outreach programs involving kids and the elderly.
If I were to reflect on what I am most proud of, it would not be a specific piece of art I have made or an award I have won. Rather, it is the difference I may have made in people’s lives.
When considering what sets me apart from other artists, I realize I haven’t given it much thought. Maybe the materials and my art form? While mosaic is becoming more mainstream then when I started initially started ;cutting every piece by hand and avoiding precut commercial tiles is rare. This process takes time and patience.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Something Surprising About Me
There is an interesting fact about me that often surprises people who do not know me well: I have an identical twin. This means that if you have ever attended one of my classes or met me in another setting and noticed that I did not acknowledge you, it might not have been me at all—it could have been my twin sister, Colleen. So, if you ever experience a situation where I seem unfamiliar or do not reach out as expected, please consider the possibility that you have encountered Colleen instead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://collettemannmosaics.com
- Instagram: collette.mann.mosaics
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/colormecollette
