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Kasia Mosaics US Tour
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Autumn Owl
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| Autumn Owl, stained glass mosaic, 22" x 17" (18" x 23.5" framed) 2014 Available for Sale |
The pumpkin head comes to life!
Now onto the corn-on-the-cob belly =)
Ready for for the next part!
Grouting.
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Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail - Glacier National Park
This new mosaic is inspired by one of the hikes we did in Glacier National Park in Montana last summer. We combined the Ice Lake Trail with the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail. On this 15 miler there were too many awe inspiring views to count. It was impossible to choose a favorite ... but emerging of the Ptarmigan Tunnel after 10 miles of pushing along, crossing our fingers not to run into a grizzly, yet kinda hoping to get a glimpse of one in the distance, trying to take in all the beauty of the lush and colorful, flower filled landscape, the final view of the Belly River Valley with the bright blue Elizabeth Lake appeared on the other side and it was so drastically different than everything leading up to it that it made the strongest impression on me. Still today it is as clear in my memory as if I was just there.
Hands down it is one of the best hikes I've ever done and would do again in a heartbeat. Don't miss it if you are planning a trip to the magic filled Glacier National Park.
Below are some of the process shots of this vast landcape mosaic coming to life in my little studio in the foothills of Boulder, CO.
The charcoal sketch I created to help me visualize and to feel the landscape before diving into choosing my glass.
Working on the sky - the light at the end of the tunnel becomes visible =)
As always this is my favorite part. Grouting really makes the mosaic finally come a live! Now we just have to frame it and it will be all ready to find a good home with someone who loves the mountains and mosaics as much or even more than I!
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The Conclusion of the Kasia Mosaics US Tour
Those are just two of the many projects coming soon!
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First Friday Art Walk
Following the 2015 Kasia Mosaics US Tour, we are gearing up to set up shop back in Colorado. This time we'll be in Denver - it will be a little bit easier to get to than the bumpy, winding Fourmile Canyon, though we will definitely miss being tucked away in the mountains. We'll be located at the 910 Arts Building in in the heart of Denver's Art District on Santa Fe Dr. Visit us at Suite 302 during the First Friday Art Walk on November 6 from 6-9pm.
The studio will be freshly set up as we're moving in on November 1, 2015. We'll be just starting out again, so there may not be too much happening yet but our doors will be open and we'd love to meet you! There will still be lots of art to see and touch - plus there will be wine to celebrate this new chapter in the K&K Adventures =)
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If you are planning to be in the Denver Area and would like to schedule a studio visit, email kpolkowska@gmail.com In the coming months, we'll be starting a few big projects including my large scale landscapes inspired by our recent cross country trip, a collaborative sculpture with my partner Kyle Cunniff, a collaborative mural projects with artists from around the country among other smaller projects.
We'll also be opening our doors to mosaic enthusiasts of all levels wanting to learn a new approach to stained glass mosaic art. These classes will be open to all levels (beginners are always welcome) and all materials and tools will be provided. Space for these workshops will be limited so early sign ups are strongly encouraged. The first local Denver class will be scheduled for the following weekend November 14-15, 2015. Email kpolkowska@gmail.com to preregister.
The studio will be freshly set up as we're moving in on November 1, 2015. We'll be just starting out again, so there may not be too much happening yet but our doors will be open and we'd love to meet you! There will still be lots of art to see and touch - plus there will be wine to celebrate this new chapter in the K&K Adventures =)
We'll also be opening our doors to mosaic enthusiasts of all levels wanting to learn a new approach to stained glass mosaic art. These classes will be open to all levels (beginners are always welcome) and all materials and tools will be provided. Space for these workshops will be limited so early sign ups are strongly encouraged. The first local Denver class will be scheduled for the following weekend November 14-15, 2015. Email kpolkowska@gmail.com to preregister.
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A Glimpse into My Glass Cutting Technique
I thought that it would be fun to share one of my cutting techniques. The above video demonstrates how I use a glass scoring tool, running pliers and the flathead tile nippers to cut out freehand full shaped hearts out of stained glass:
Recently I've been seeing lots of misinformation about glass cutting for mosaics online, things that are meant to discourage people from using hand-tools to cut out semi-complex shapes out of stained glass, actually even simple shapes. Those videos are used for marketing much more expensive machinery such as grinders and wet saws. I must add that I don't have anything against people using those machines to create their artwork but they are not always needed by people with healthy hands to cut out many of the shapes they want to incorporate into their stained glass mosaics. For example all of the shapes in all of the artwork I've created up to this point are all hand cut. If I was cutting glass for stained glass windows, a grinder would be useful to help create the tightest joints which are crucial for a structurally sound window. Or if I wanted to cut out extremely intricate shapes that I could not possibly achieve with hand tools, I would definitely invest in a good wet saw.
I am an advocate for fine craftsmanship that is achieved through constant practice and the full understanding of the tools one chooses to use and the material that one uses. I love seeing the satisfaction on my student's faces when they can independently cut out beautiful shapes out of glass, never knowing how easy it can be if done properly. I hope that you enjoy this glimpse into my cutting technique and don't shy away from learning the basics of glass cutting.
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Imagining a Kasia Mosaics Art Fair Booth
I'm considering applying for a couple of art fairs for 2016. This will be a new chapter for me as I'll be focusing on trying to get my work out there in the new year. My only experience with an outdoor festival has been assisting my partner in a couple of fairs he's taken part of so I'm really excited to give it a go.
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Above is a computer generated mock-up of what a potential Kasia Mosaics Booth might look like. My partner Kyle Cunniff who is a freelance industrial product designer created this rendering using Solidworks.
This isn't exactly what my booth would look like as I no longer have some of the pieces that are up in this computer generated rendering. But there would be lots of new work as I'm busy in my new Denver studio creating lots of exciting mosaics.
This isn't exactly what my booth would look like as I no longer have some of the pieces that are up in this computer generated rendering. But there would be lots of new work as I'm busy in my new Denver studio creating lots of exciting mosaics.
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Red Lotus Flower
Red Lotus, stained glass mosaic, 34.5" x 34.5" (36" x 36" framed), 2015 by Kasia Polkowska
Available for Sale: http://
Just like all of my flower designs, this kind of a mosaic is available to be comissioned in any color and size. Email kpolkowska@gmail.com for more info.
Available for Sale: http://
Just like all of my flower designs, this kind of a mosaic is available to be comissioned in any color and size. Email kpolkowska@gmail.com for more info.
Above is a the beginning process of the project. All of the stained glass in this mosaic is completely hand cut by me using 4 basic hand tools.
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Blue Lotus
Here is a photo of my latest mosaic commission. Just like all of my flower designs, this kind of a mosaic is available to be commissioned in any color and size. Email kpolkowska@gmail.com for more info.
Above you can see me holding one of the hand cut petals. All the petals in the mosaic are hand cut - no grinder, no saw - just Kasi!
Size comparison - his new flower will measure to be 3ft.
Making progress and trying to keep those annoying glass shards off of my mosaic.
Morning light hitting my work bench.
Ready to glue!!!
It's been glued with super Kyle's help. Now onto my favorite part - grouting!!!
Grouting!!!
All ready for shipping!
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Holiday Special
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First Friday Art Walk - December 4, 2015
Come to the December 4th First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Arts District in Denver, Colorado. Visit my mosaic studio #302 on the third floor. We'll have lots of art for you to see hanging on the walls while you enjoy some red wine. You'll also have a unique opportunity to see some of the works in progress I have laid out on the table plus a couple of recently completed new works.
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Above is my current work-in-progress depicting a sunset over Trillium Lake at the foot of Mt Hood. I am working off a photo I took while visiting Oregon. I've still got a lot of work on this one but it is fun to see a mosaic in these early stages. This piece is 48" x 24".
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Above is a mosaic owl I've created for a recent contest winner via the Kasia Mosaics Facebook Page. I just finished the piece today but it will still be in the studio on Friday prior to me shipping it out on Monday to its new home.
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The above mosaic is all finished and waiting to be framed. It is quite a sight to see in person as it stands 3ft tall. The black grout lines in between the bone colored glass really make the mosaic pop.
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Above I look up at the owl I roughly sketched out for a new mosaic I started last night. Thus far I've just got the eyes and hope to start on the feathers soon. This piece is laid out on one of my work benches and is also fun to see in these very beginning moments when the glass starts to cover up the sketch.
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Lastly if you visited the studio in November and saw me working on the blue lotus flower, it is no longer in the studio. It is all finished, framed and has been shipped to its new owner. Though if I have a chance today or tomorrow morning, I might start working on a small flower for fun but also testing new ideas for classes and workshops that conduct here in the studio each month. The next in house class is December 12-13, 2015.
See You Friday 6pm - 9pm in my studio #302 in the 910 Arts Building located at 910 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO, 80204. Its been a busy month! Since moving in at the beginning of November with the Holidays, I've only had 3 weeks of actual studio time but have been busy indeed!
See You Friday 6pm - 9pm in my studio #302 in the 910 Arts Building located at 910 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO, 80204. Its been a busy month! Since moving in at the beginning of November with the Holidays, I've only had 3 weeks of actual studio time but have been busy indeed!
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Professor Sunshine
Professor Sunshine, stained glass mosaic, 17"x10", 2015 ~SOLD
All the glass is hand cut.
Grouting!
The "Professor Plum" Owl Design is available as a Project Kit which includes an Original Kasia Mosaics Owl Template, a matching substrate hand cut by Kasia's partner here in the US and a 3 page pdf with gluing and grouting tips. If you know how to cut glass and love creating at home, this is a perfect opportunity to own a Kasia Mosaics Owl where you get to customize it and put your own special touch on it. Owls look great displayed on a wall or make great and unique gifts for friends and family. http://kasiamosaicseducationaltemplates.blogspot.com/
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Tangerine Zinnia
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New One Day Class
In January 2016 I am releasing my first one day workshop. The class will take place on January 23rd (Saturday 10am - 5pm). The cost of the class is $195 but I am offering the first of its kind at an introductory offer for $150.
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The cost of the class includes all the materials needed to complete the project, the three template designs, one substrate for the class project as well as use of all the needed tool in class.
The basics of my stained glass mosaic technique will be the focus of this class. Students will use the scoring tool, the running pliers and the flathead tile nippers to practice stained glass cutting for mosaics. We will use the front mounting taping method for our projects. The students will also experience the gluing and grouting of their projects. Following the one day class, students will gain valuable experience and confidence to continue creating stained glass mosaics at home. They will take home a couple of templates so that they can continue creating mosaics at home right away!
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More dates coming soon. The rest of the classes for 2016 and beyond will be priced at the regular rate of $195.
The cost of the class includes all the materials needed to complete the project, the three template designs, one substrate for the class project as well as use of all the needed tool in class.
The basics of my stained glass mosaic technique will be the focus of this class. Students will use the scoring tool, the running pliers and the flathead tile nippers to practice stained glass cutting for mosaics. We will use the front mounting taping method for our projects. The students will also experience the gluing and grouting of their projects. Following the one day class, students will gain valuable experience and confidence to continue creating stained glass mosaics at home. They will take home a couple of templates so that they can continue creating mosaics at home right away!
More dates coming soon. The rest of the classes for 2016 and beyond will be priced at the regular rate of $195.
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Arthur the Sily School Boy Owl
"Arthur the Silly School Boy Owl", stained glass mosaic, 17" x 10.5", 2015 ~ available for sale
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Teton Mounains in Earthtones
The beginning.
All of the glass is hand picked and hand cut to create the best effect.
All ready to glue.
Grouting.
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Glowing Teton Mountains
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Sunset at Trillium Lake - Oregon
Available for Sale: http://kasiamosaicsstore.blogspot.com/
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| A photo I took at Trillium Lake. |
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| I worked on the mosaic for about a month and a half. All of the glass used in the mosaic is made in the USA and hand cut and shaped by me using basic hand tools. |
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| All the glass is meticulously hand cut by me. |
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| Working on the sky reflection in the lake. |
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| Grouting. |
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First Friday Art Walk - Denver, Colorado
Come to the February 5th First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Arts District in Denver, Colorado (6pm to 9pm). Visit my mosaic studio #302 on the third floor. We'll have lots of art, not just mosaics but also painting and prints for you to enjoy! You'll also have a unique opportunity to see my stained glass mosaics in person, truly the best way to experience glass. I have lots of new projects displayed since the December Open Studios (we were closed in January due to Holiday travels) - hope to see you there!
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| The very latest addition to the Kasia Mosaics Studio is this photo collaboration with Kyle Cunniff. We've printed some of both of our photos from last year's cross country trip and have created wood block print transfers - they are quite a sight to see! |
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| These three landscapes are some of the newest editions to my studio. Be the first to see them framed and displayed. |
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| This piece will great you even before you enter my studio! |
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| Here is another mandala that you get to see all grouted. |
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| And another - there really is lots to see! |
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| This is the latest landscape that I've just completed. It is all glued, grouted and framed, ready to be admired by its first viewers. |
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| The Red Lotus mosaic is now beautifully framed. Many of my works are larger than people realize. The best way to truelly experience them is in person. |
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New Mandala Designs
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| Flower Mandala #5, stained glass mosaic, 15" in diameter, 2016 Available for Sale: http://kasiamosaicsstore.blogspot.com/ |
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| Flower Mandala #4, stained glass mosaic, 15" in diameter, 2016 Available for Sale: http://kasiamosaicsstore.blogspot.com/ |
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| Flower Mandala #6, stained glass mosaic, 15" in diameter, 2016 Available for Sale: http://kasiamosaicsstore.blogspot.com/ |
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