I began this process, my first Ripped Off show, wondering if I should do a mosaic - traditional or non-traditional.

As I looked at Susan McSherry's work I began to see that she uses shapes and flow in any given piece in a way that appears deceivingly simple and wonderfully naive yet is really very engaging.

Over time I began to see more of the undertones and how her work drew me in the more I looked. As I studied each potential piece I began to see more and more in the details. I love that her work can be taken at face value, but also has more for those who explore further.

As I started to gather materials for a non-traditional materials mosaic I switched gears and decided to translate some of the more basic shapes and flow with beads, wire and chain. As an added bonus, I had all the elements I needed right in my studio.

In this piece I focused on the flow in Susan McSherry's "Lady Bug Races." I love working with wire because adding shape is possible.

I used solid Copper wire, Chinese "millefiori" beads to tie back to Susan McSherry's mosaic elements, large lady bug beads and Copper chain. I wrapped the Copper chain around the bead and wire structure to really highlight the flow that is evident in the original.

Thank you Susan of artandartifacts for partnering with me for this show!

by sam