cristinamcallister's Profile

Bio

My passion is mosaic collage - using cut-up bits of paper to create designs. I often use packages from food items or other consumer goods, recycling what would have been trash into treasured pieces of art. I also use fine art papers, found items, acrylic gems, confetti and sequins and powdered iridescent and metallic pigments to add shimmer and shine.

This art offers both challenges and great rewards. It is time-consuming to shape, choose and place each tile just so, but it is a meditative kind of work, and the results are well worth the effort. It gives me a chance to play with choosing and combining colors and patterns and forms, using the background wash to harmonize and accentuate the tiles and design and adding shimmering highlights to catch the light in interesting ways.

I love the sparkling texture of mosaic – the faceted, jewel-like way the light plays across the uneven surfaces. As the daylight changes, or the candlelight flickers, or you move past them, the light shifts and gleams across the glittering pieces, making them glimmer and shine.

I use varnishes with UV protectants to help preserve my works, but because I’m using printed matter, they are vulnerable to the fading effects of full sunlight. In order to maintain the vibrancy of these pieces, I highly recommend displaying them in a place out of direct sunlight.

Each of my sconces, frames, mirrors, keepsake boxes and wall decor pieces are unique, one-of-a-kind works of art that I put my passion, talent and skill into. They will enhance your space, and allow you to express yourself through the beauty and value of handmade items.

They also make fantastic gifts!

View my Spring 2008 Candle Sconce Collection at http://www.cristinamcallister.com/SconcesSpring2008Catalog.htm

If you have specific colors or design ideas, contact me and I’ll see what I can do to create the perfect custom piece for you.

Thank you for supporting a working artist and being a part of the Buy Handmade Movement!

~Cristina McAllister

Female

Favorite Materials

mosaic, collage, paper, wood, acrylics, oils, found items, iridescence, sparklies, ceramic, recycled packaging, glass, etc