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July 2008 Featured Student Artist: Wenia Lee
Journey
Life is Like a Ferris Wheel, 2008
Mosaics from the Mind's Eye class |
Three years ago, I was in a depression (nothing fancy, it was just a boy problem.) I needed to be in a class. I was practicing Shiatsu at that time, so I looked into a 3 year Chinese Medical Massage program. However, the program did not start until 4 months later. I was desperate to be in some kind of class. Therefore, I tried mosaic, silver clay, glass fusing, lampworking, and countless weekend craft classes in those 4 months. My first mosaic lesson was with a mosaic artist in Marin. She told me about Laurel True, and I have taken the following classes at IMA since then:
Architectural Applications with Laurel True
Tempered Glass Mosaics with Ellen Blakeley
Intermediate Tempered Glass Mosaics with Ellen Blakeley
Playing with Color with Ellen Blakeley
Magic Butterfly with Irina Charny
Making Concrete Forms with Diana Durand
Introduction to Glass Mosaics with Laurel True
Pet Portraiture with Delaine Hackney
Ancient Meets Modern with Laurel True
Business of Mosaics with Laurel True
Roman Borders with Lillian Sizemore
Mosaics from the Mind's Eye with Lillian Sizemore
Lightweight Concrete Sculpture with Tracy Broback
Growth
Twinkle in Mirror, 2007
Pet Portraiture class
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If I had not come to IMA, I would probably be finishing the Chinese Medical Massage program now. I did not grow up in a family/community/culture that encourages creativity. I never used to believe I could create. IMA turned me into a mosaic artist. Learning from many talented mosaic artists (both instructors and students) at IMA has been an exceptionally fulfilling experience. Not only am I learning about mosaic, I am also learning and exploring about myself through these classes. Laurel True and Lillian Sizemore have made an impact in my life before I even knew what mosaic was. I used to drive by the Mission Creek Mural on my way to work. Every time I saw the mural, I could not help but fix my eyes on it for at least a few seconds, even when the car was moving. I did it almost every day for 3 years from 2001-2004! I think that mural cast a mosaic spell on me!
Spring Shower, 2006
Magic Butterfly class
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I have always felt intimidated when working with colors. In fact, I was once told that my color combinations were weird. I was glad that she did not say my color combinations were weak... god knows, I do not have confidence in mixing colors. Sometimes I wonder how I can be a mosaic artist if I am afraid of colors. But, in the current Ancient Meets Modern class, I realized how much I enjoy using the traditional setting techniques to create the andamento on a mosaic. I guess I don't need colors of the rainbow to make interesting mosaics.
Mosaics
I love the meditative state of setting the tesserae! Putting the pieces of glass or tile together and giving them a new life is satisfying. It is somehow comforting and healing. It is a reincarnation before my eyes!
Dawn, 2007
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Direction
I really like the traditional setting techniques and already have a couple of projects in mind. I am going to flow with the andamento and see what direction it is going to take me.
Peacock Spatula, 2007
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IMA
Going to IMA is like going to an oxygen bar. The creative and positive energy in IMA recharges me every time I am there. It's good for my body and mind. I am currently taking the Ancient Meets Modern class on Thursday evening. Often times, my energy level is blinking orange lights by Thursday afternoon. When I am in IMA, not only do I not feel tired, I sometimes go home feeling like a recharged battery. Last week, I even had the energy to catch a movie after class!
Underground, 2008
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Exhibitions
Magic Butterfly Student Exhibition, 2006
IMA Student Exhibition, 2007
UCSF Faculty and Staff Art Show, 2007
Journey to Center: Mosaics from the Mind's Eye, 2008
Links
www.wenialee.com
www.bluepiggy.etsy.com
www.flickr.com/photos/wenialee
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