Influenced by Pueblo, Navajo, Chinese and African art traditions, Kathleen uses an intricate process to create patterns in her work. A multiple step process, it involves mixing several graduated shades of two or more colors. To some of these forms she adds metallic inclusions or color with artist markers then stacks them into blocks followed by cutting, combining and recombining the pieces to create elaborate patterns. These blocks are then reduced, divided and combined again to create increasingly complex patterns that are assembled into a variety of earrings, brooches, and necklaces. Kathleen adds richness and texture by carving and applying gold, silver or copper leaf. Finally, each piece receives a surface finishing process of up to ten levels of ultra fine sanding grits that create a semi-gloss surface. Depending on size and complexity of design the development of each piece involves 8 to 30 hours of crafting.
With a mosaic pattern in graduated shades of burgandy, light olive and charcoal this pin measures 3". With your own cord it can be worn as a neckpiece.