Trish Collins

   My first exposure to mosaics, around age 10, was thanks to a family friend who had refinished an old coffee table by mosaicking the top with tiny ceramic tiles.  I thought it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen!  She gave me the leftover tiles, two pairs of clippers, and the remaining can of horrifically fumed floor-tile glue.  My parents had unsuccessfully been trying to interest me in some form of athletics or art or something (okay, anything!) and when it became evident I had found something that captured my entire attention, they were willing to support me to the point of researching appropriate methods, substrates, adhesives, grouts, etc.   As this was in a time before the internet, the research involved books, lots of books.  It also involved wall and floor tile from the local hardware store.....

    As years progressed, I became distracted from mosaics and focused on schooling, marriage and career.    Fast forward to one day when I was particularly frustrated with my then 30 year vocation -> my wonderful husband reminded me of the long sealed-up box in the basement.  Opening it, I was instantly transported and reunited with an old best friend – and instant stress relief!   By this point, the internet was blossoming and we could instantly see pictures of other incredible mosaic creations, join groups, connect with like-minded people, WOW!   Game changer!!!   New materials, new methods, new processes,  wonderful classes and valuable workshops! 

Now, today, I am happily devoted to my passion, and I attempt to show interested students "The Basics", hoping to open the door for them to the many myriads of mosaics, while I continually strive to expand my own abilities, knowledge and range.  I personally take at least 2 workshops per year from accomplished "Master" mosaicists, even online during Covid... 

I am an active member of the BC Mosaic Artist Group, MAC: Mosaic Artists of Canada, CMA2: Contemporary Mosaic Artists, SAMA: Society of American Mosaic Artists.   

Trish Collins , Mosaicist.    Sooke (near Victoria),  B.C.,  Canada

Grateful to live and work on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish and Nuu-Chah-Nulth peoples, specifically T’Sou-ke Nation, Scia’new Nation and Pacheedaht Nation.

Update:    So very tickled to be included in this wonderful book,  "Creations Contemporary Decorative Mosaic" created and compiled by Jacqueline Iskander.   This book presents Decorative Mosaic from around the world - 53 artists from 20 countries share 124 unique mosaic works.  There are 166 pages of wonderful pictures and artist's commentary - including three Canadian artists, Heather J. Smith, Margo Anton and me! Available on Amazon.com.