Meet Margarita; A Newly Certified Artist
In January, Margarita completed her first level of certification here at Piece by Piece. As a level 1 certified artist, she has mastered core concepts in mosaic art including safety, cutting, adamento, color theory, finishing techniques and more.
Margarita sat down with Josh from the Piece by Piece team and shared a bit about her Piece by Piece journey so far.
What does it mean to you to get your certificate?
I get the opportunity to put things up for sale instead of just cluttering up places and taking up space in a box. I’m excited for them to go somewhere and appreciated by someone besides me hopefully. And it’s to prove a point.
What did you do before finding Piece by Piece?
I was a nurse for about 40 years and then I got hurt at work so I took care of my mom and dad until they passed.
How long have you been with Piece by Piece?
I was a part for of Piece by Piece off and on for a few years but then my mom got sick and then COVID hit and I wasn’t able to physically join for a while. Even though, I loved being a part of it online and even the Christmas party was fun! It was difficult not to come in and see everyone every week though.
How has it been to transition back to being in class physically?
It is so cool and exciting. I was happy to get back to normal. Coming back from COVID everyone felt broken, and isolated. But when I’m here I’m with my tribe and not alone. All of us here are like a mosaic ourselves. We’re all a little broken but when we’re here we’re one big beautiful piece.
What are your plans for the future now that you have your certificate?
For now I want to hone on my skills. Ellen, one of our instructors, showed us some incredible stained glass and I don’t think I’m even half the way there yet. I want to get my work on that level. I’m working on liking my own work, and also looking forward to making more art. I am finishing things even if I don’t like them because someone else might. I’m very critical of myself. Just like my cooking, if I don’t like it, I used to give it up. But now with my art I’m working on finding value in my works even if I don’t like them. I do want to get the higher levels of certification, but I want to work on myself a bit first.
How would you quantify success for yourself?
Once I see a piece I made hung on a wall. None of my pieces have a hanger and I just need to finish one! Even if it’s in the bathroom or anywhere, just on any wall and I’ll be happy. Once I’ve done that, I’ll know I’ve made it and I’ll be content.
Now that Margarita is a Level 1 Certified Artist, she is able to sell her works on the Piece by Piece retail gallery and begin to grow her career as an artist. Be sure to check out her artist page and keep coming back to see what new and amazing creations she’s made!
