Artist Statement: Christine Kenneally

The style that all of my art has in common is an exploratory expressiveness, and a spiritual journey takes place for me in the making of it.  In fact, this journey is often the purpose of my art.  I enjoy the process as much as the finished product.  I learn about myself through each decision and each action, through each relationship I develop with the lines, the shapes and the design as it comes together and the journey unfolds- piece by piece.  Often, this journey is designed by a power greater than me, and I become simply the hands that put it together and the witness to the creation taking place.
When I discovered the art of mosaic making in 2004, I knew immediately that I had found my niche.  It started as a therapeutic activity for me, breaking objects like dishes and tiles and piecing them back together in a way that made sense to my eye and was interesting to look at.  It was an activity that challenged me to think outside the box and envision many small pieces together as a whole.  It also gave me an excuse to go tag sale shopping.  I love finding discarded treasures and giving them a second life, as a part of a mosaic. 
For me, the symbolism of mosaics is clear and very significant: the bringing together of many small pieces to create a whole represents the diverse community that we are as human beings, as well as the many different parts that make up each of us.  My life is like a constantly evolving mosaic.  I choose and shape the components that make me who I am.  If a piece is too big, I smash it into many small pieces (which sometimes hurts!) and fit it back together in a way that works better for me.  I can choose pieces that add dimensionality and reflective surfaces or I can create order and predictability with the pieces I choose.  For me, mosaics are an expression of rebirth, an opportunity to redefine and create immense worth out of materials that previously were worthless, giving them life.