Getting to Know Me - Broken Piece and Broken People Make the Best Art!

Hello, my friend! 

I know that may seem a little strange to you since we have not met but, I feel that we are all friends that have not had the opportunity to meet!  Let me introduce myself and give you a little back story.  

I currently reside in Southwest Missouri on a 9 acre plot of land!  I love my property!  I love spending time down at my wet weather creek or riding on my tractor!  I am a country girl at heart and love nature.  My home is a 200 year old log cabin which I lovingly call "the projects".  I call my place "The Oleo" - it's cheap little spread.  We stole the name from my in-laws when they sold their log home in Oklahoma.   Although I didn't spend most of my younger years in Missouri, I was born there and can attest to the fact that we earned our nickname honestly!   I learn most lessons the hard way and yes, you have to SHOW ME! I am a self taught artist, learning through trial and error!

I was raised by two very loving and special parents!  They instilled in all of us (I have 4 siblings) that there was nothing we couldn't do if we set our mind to do it.  I believe that although we are all different, each of us have taken that to heart.  I am proud of my family.  Although my parents have passed, they were there at the onset as I started this journey into the world of mosaic art.  They encouraged me and let me know they were proud.  But, they were my parents and what parent doesn't encourage their children!  For many years, I kept my art in the "family", making things as gifts only.  At the prompting  and encouragement of my family and friends, I stepped out of my comfort zone and presented my works to the public.  Thus, Mosaic Creations by Carol was born.  I dedicate this adventure to my mom and dad and it is my hope and prayer that I have made them proud! I also want to thank my sisters and brothers for having the faith in me and for the encouragement they provide.  Sometimes it feels more like throwing me back in the ring after the 10th bell but that is what siblings do!  

After my mom passed in 2011, my dad started a "Ministry of Encouragement".  He traveled all across the United States with one mission in mind and that was to encourage people, to bring a smile or instill some light of hope into the lives of those he had a chance to meet.  When he passed in 2020, it was one of the biggest losses this world endured!  He touched so many lives!  During my "grieving" process, I came to realize that one of my purposes on this earth was to follow in his footstep. 

As I contemplate the art of mosaic,  I am reminded as I cut and shape each piece, that we are all broken people.  One may look at the cut pieces before me and see it as it is, a bunch of shattered broken pieces!  Yet, every broken piece serves its purpose on the canvas.  It takes every broken piece to complete the finished product!   As long as you are breathing, God is not finished with you yet.  Know that everything you have gone through is part of the beautiful picture that is the whole that makes YOU!  Know that everything you have experienced has been orchestrated FOR your good!  You are beautiful and you are loved!   I may not travel the world but, it is my hope that through my art, you can feel the love that I feel for mankind but know that I extend that love to you as well! May you be encouraged!

Much Love!

Carol