Laura Winzeler
One auspicious day long ago and far away in a small southwestern Colorado mountain town, I saw a thumbnail image of a pique assiette ("stolen from plate") watering can in "Country Living" magazine. My fate was sealed. I ordered a book from Amazon.com, grabbed a hammer and some ugly plates and cups from the thrift store, and started smashing. The tiny image of that watering can covered in bright pottery, pretty china and a porcelain flower cluster was the catalyst for a decade-long journey into creative exploration.
My strong obsession with color began in childhood but the impulse to express it in a concrete way was thwarted. I cannot draw, paint, or sketch to save my life. The mosaics provide me with a very satisfying and forgiving outlet for my color fetish in a concrete, physical world way. My initial creations were pretty clunky, chunky and primitive. Over the years they've evolved into more refined and deliberate designs that preserve and complement the patterns and spirit of the materials I use. I rarely know the end result of a piece in advance. As with all art, the mystical, alchemical process boggles the rational mind. I initially called my company Mystical Moments Mosaics for that very reason.
The primary inspiration for my pieces comes from the materials themselves -- deeply saturated American pottery like Bauer, Fiesta and Franciscan; intricate and elegant china transferware patterns from 1800s England; a particular vintage broach that rocks my world. I am also guided by what I know and intuit about the intended recipient if it's a custom piece. Lately, great inspiration is found in my jewelry mosaic pieces. What a creative palate cleanser they have been for me -- one of the most exciting phases of my work yet. Playing with all the shiny pieces of jewelry has tapped into a very exuberant part of me. This sense of joyful whimsy is imparted to people who view the work. Most of them break into spontaneous smiles and tell me how much fun I must be having. It's gratifying to know that my passion for these pieces so fully transmits to the observer!
No one was more shocked than I when I had the chance to move to Brevard in December of 2006 to pursue my art full-time. I share my life with an insane Blue Heeler named "Leah" and four benevolent female rulers who are of great help to me in the studio.
Please visit my web site at laurawinzelerdesigns.com. From there you can link to my etsy store to purchase available pieces. You can also peruse my Portfolio over on EBSQ, especially helpful if you have a custom piece in mind. I will be selling my art at many arts and crafts shows in the immediate area through year's end, so please email me at lauraw@citcom.net if you'd like to come meet me and see my current collection of available pieces.
LAURA
WINZELER at Cullowhee
VISIT LAURA WINZELER'S WEBSITE AT laurawinzeler.com
Cover Artist WNC WOMAN magazine OCTOBER 2008
LAURA WINZELER at ESTY.COM
LAURA WINZELER AT A GLANCE:
pique assiette, mosaics, mixed media, china, transferware, pottery, vintage jewelry