Beyond the Nest

2026

48cm x 51cm

Materials: Slate, stone, smalti, glass tile, porcelain tile, hand-made filati, dyed-muslin, yarn, wire, recycled metal, pigmented tile adhesive.

I made this mosaic as a celebration of raising a family to adulthood.

At the centre of the nest, the colours are muted, representing new beginnings. Pieces of muslin are used to line the nest, creating a soft and safe environment for the children to grow. As the lines move outwards, the colours change to become bolder and the lines are more spaced out. This reflects the growth that takes place, each child becoming more confident, and finding their own path. The lines are intertwined throughout, reflecting that shared experiences shape and support our growth.

The outermost lines represent the family moving into a different chapter of life. The use of iridescent and gold glass celebrates both the fact that the children have become independent, each off on their own adventure, and the idea that the parents also now have more time and freedom.  Some of these lines move outwards, representing new adventures, while others curl towards the nest, recognising that the family is always there for support.

This mosaic was exhibited as part of the Contemporary Mosaic Art 2 Exhibition, Pieces of Us,  in New Mexico, USA in March 2026.