Artist Bio



Connie English was born in Oakland, California, the home of international diversity. So it comes as no surprise that her work appeals to a diverse and international audience.

She has been recognized in the international magazine "Mosaic Art Now" which featured 96 out of 1100 submissions chosen world wide by a jury from Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, UK, Cape Town Africa and the US. Her work has also been shown in group exhibitions in England.

Published nationwide in the Society of American Mosaic Artists Spring 2008 issue, she has exhibited locally at City Hall in Walnut Creek, the Bedford Gallery for both the "Local Voice" group exhibit juried by Curator of the Oakland Museum and a faculty Civic Arts exhibit where she teaches mosaics.

An independant spirit, her first business venture began at age ten, selling hand crafted earrings and driftwood art in a local Lafayette gift shop. As the years progressed she has continued the path of an independent contractor working as an endangered species animal trainer, owner of a pet sitting service for exotic and wild animals, Interior Redesigner of homes and gardens, teaching French Kickboxing, Pilates and more.

Her love of travel has led her to Africa, Costa Rica, and various European countries and her current interests include natural building/permaculture, physical outdoor activities, food and wine, kayaking and her garden.

An experienced teacher for the past 12 years, her mosaic workshops are available locally at Civic Arts in Walnut Creek, Concord and Danville Community Centers, The Nevada Museum of Art, and abroad upon request.
________________________________________________

Artist's Statement

Mosaics have existed as far back as the 4th Century BC using local materials from the many cultures of the world. As an artist in the 21st century I am inspired by the array of ancient, traditional and salvaged materials available to create todays modern art.

My art pieces are inspired by shattered tempered glass, colored mirror, glass, tiles, broken china, roman marble, smalti and anything that clutches my attention. I revel in the array of textures, colors, shapes, the reflection of light and the emotions they evoke while creating them. The interplay of these factors and how they lend themselves to movement and dimension to an otherwise flat artwork, constantly amazes and challenges me.

I specialize in one-of-a-kind and custom mosaic art and my process always begins with chosen colors. Rummaging through shelves and bins looking for just the right colors and textures that fit my mood and emotions. Intrigued by the immediacy of this process and the ability to work spontaneously and expressively, each piece is applied until united and complete.

A percentage of all sales go to nature and wildlife preservation. Photo: Stymie, Black Jaguar that I raised on a private Endangered
Species Preserve in Forestville, California