About Karen
Creativity, design and mosaicsA passion for creativity
I demonstrated my passion for art and design at a very early age, always keen to be involved with creative activities. Originally from London, I worked on many projects during my time at school as well as in extra curricular activities and at home. Learning many techniques over the years, it was wonderful to bring my artistic flair and creativity to each piece.
Having studied both Art & Design and Design and Technology at Secondary school, I went on to complete a Postgraduate Degree in Education becoming a fully qualified teacher and have taught in several Primary schools. Through every role, and in every part of my teaching I have displayed my artistic skills and shared my passion for creativity with many students of all ages and levels. That was the start of my mosaic journey!
My mosaic journey began
Having formed Art & Craft Clubs and been responsible for the growth of Art and Design throughout the school, which I was working in at the time, I had many opportunities to encourage students in various projects.
However, a wonderful highlight for me was when I created my first large mosaic in 2006 whilst teaching in a school in London, where pupils could be directly involved in the design and creation of the mural.
Continuing the mosaic journey
Since moving to Adeje in Tenerife in 2008, I have continued creating mosaics. Initially creating pieces for family and friends, making mosaics for the house and garden, I then established my business, "Mosaics designed for you", where I am extremely proud to be the owner, designer and creator.
I began to complete bespoke commissions for residents in Tenerife. Very quickly, word began to spread about my mosaics and I received commissions from across Europe and the UK. Each time, I was delighted to create unique pieces for clients which are to be enjoyed and treasured for a lifetime.
Keen to share my mosaic skills combined with my teaching abilities, I had the privilege of opening up my workshop at "Mosaics designed for you" in Costa Adeje in 2022.
Since that time, it has been such a joy to welcome residents and tourists of all ages and abilities who wish to learn about the mosaic process and want to create a mosaic themselves. Whether teaching novices or regular attendees at my mosaic workshops and Mosaic Club, I love to share my own style when teaching mosaic techniques.
Influences and inspiration
My love of mosaics has certainly grown since I first started learning about the beautiful craft.
It has been a joy to see many stunning creations during my travels. Whether small or large, these colourful pieces demonstrate the work that is involved in this amazing skilled trade throughout history. From the well preserved beautiful geometric patterns still evident in Pompeii, to the complexity of mosaics in the early Christian basilicas, inspiration is to be seen in all.
To be involved in a craft which dates back to the Egyptians and still to be able to see Grecian and Roman mosaics to this day - that´s what makes mosaic making so interesting! I have been thrilled to discover many modern mosaics on my travels too!
As well as visiting countries further afield, I also enjoy travelling throughout the Canary Islands and seeing modern mosaics closer to home. The patterns, colours, images and designs may vary but the enjoyment is the same.
As an artist with creativity oozing from my bones, I am always inspired by mosaics including those in bathrooms, swimming pools, homes, on floors, on decorative benches and murals.
Enjoy my photos below showing some of the mosaics I have found whilst on my travels. Observe the different styles, colours and choice of tesserae.
Keep reading to find out more about my joy of visiting Gaudi's mosaics as I travelled through Barcelona.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Seville: Plaza de España, Triana, Real Alcázar and Pueblos Blancos
Barcelona
Casa Batlló, Barcelona
La Pedrera, Barcelona
Park Güell, Barcelona
As a mosaic designer and creator, I was thrilled to be able to visit Park Güell in Barcelona to experience the craftsmanship and creativity in Gaudi´s masterpieces. If you are a lover of mosaics, then this visit is a must for you. You will appreciate many examples of the impressive works which were envisioned by Spain´s famous architect and designer.
The park was commissioned by Catalan patriot Eusebi Güell, hence the name Park Güell. He wanted to create a stylish park for the Barcelona aristocracy. It was actually intended to be a residential estate in the style of an English garden city. Güell´s idea was to have an urbanisation for rich families, which would be in a healthy environment featuring beautiful views. The park is situated in Barcelona´s Carel district, a rugged area with steep slopes. Therefore, this intention of overlooking views could be realised.
Gaudi worked on the park from 1900 – 1914. As the work continued, it was recognised that the park was remote from the city, that the terrain with such steep slopes made it difficult to construct, and therefore it was decided it was too difficult to connect with Barcelona, putting a stop to the original project.
Only one of the proposed sixty plots, into which the site was divided, was sold. The original property project was unsuccessful. However, as a mosaic lover, I can tell you that when you see what has been created in its place is breath-taking! Believe me – it´s well worth a visit!
What was, at the time, once deemed as an unsuccessful project, has made way for an amazingly successful project, not only in my opinion, but that of the many tourists who flock from near and far to visit Park Güell each year.
The Entrance
As you arrive at Park Güell you are greeted by stone and glazed ceramic walls which surround the site. You can immediately see the craftsmanship and design involved in this stunning park. It beckons you in to explore more examples of Gaudi at the height of his work.
From the main entrance you are given a glimpse of the tops of two stunning buildings on both sides of the entrance within the Park. You will be able to see them in all their glory once inside on your tour around. They were originally intended to be the porter´s lodge and an office. They are examples of Gaudi at the height of his work. Under the influence of Neogothic art and oriental techniques, Gaudi´s part in the modernist movement affected all his designs and builds.
His works of art, not only here in Park Güell but also across the city, show that Gaudi´s art was ahead of his time. It is interesting to look at each choice of tile as well as each pattern. You can only begin to imagine each decision that was made, together with the many hours of work that were necessary to complete each magnificent mosaic design.
The Undulating Bench
As you follow the stone wall to the right hand side of the Porter's Lodge and Office, you come to one of the entrances into Park Güell.
You climb upwards and are greeted by a model home exemplifying the housing complex which Eusebi Güell wanted to construct here.
This building was acquired by Gaudi´s father in 1906 and the architect lived there until 1925, a year before his death. In 1963 it was inaugurated as the Gaudi House Museum.
Whilst it was interesting to see the outside of this house and to start to appreciate the size of the plot, with trees planted in all directions, I didn't delay here!
I headed directly for the part of Gaudi's work that I had been longing to see. This was to become my favourite part of Park Güell.
I had arrived at the large plaza in the form of a Greek Theatre with the very famous undulating bench which is covered in broken ceramics. The perimetral bench, made of pre-fabricated pieces of cement and clad with “trencadís” was designed by Josep Maria Jujol.
Gaudi´s take on the modernist style was based on curved forms. According to Gaudi, perfectly straight lines didn´t exist in nature. Hence, the curved bench was created. This modern view of mosaics represents freedom and is inspired by nature.
Allow yourself time when visiting this section. Take the time to look in detail at the many different stunning ceramics which make up the bench. The vibrant, multi-coloured tiled mosaic seats are truly breath-taking. Get your camera ready!
Under Gaudi´s management, Jujol, Gaudi´s trusted partner, completed the work. He played with the curved forms and Trencadís. Trencadís is a mosaic decorative system that consists of coating surfaces with small pieces of broken ceramics, often coming from materials and obsolete objects. Trencadís is from the Latin verb Trenca which means “to break”. It´s thanks to the Trencadís technique that the balcony looks so colourful.
Many say that Gaudi invented the technique during work on another project at Fincas Güell. It is believed that one day Gaudi went to the workshop to see how the workers were placing the mosaic pieces. Not pleased with the speed of the project, he took a flower pot, smashed it to the ground and stated, “Place them in handfuls, otherwise we´ll never finish”.
The colours and shapes of the small pieces of pottery are scattered all over the bench. If you look closely you´ll find signs of the zodiac, stars, flowers and religious motifs. Green, blue and yellow predominate, which for Gaudi represented hope, faith and charity as well as representing colours demarking the seasons. Every part of the bench has its own character. The undulating bench is perfectly in tune with nature, mirroring the waves and movement of the seas and also the movement of a snake.
It is simply mesmerising! Drink all this creativity in before descending to the next part of the park.
The Hypostyle Hall
When you can draw yourself away from the undulating bench and the stunning view over Barcelona, take the stairs leading down to the Hypostyle Hall. This was meant to have been the residents´ market. It was constructed with large Doric columns. The large space is known as “Salon of the hundred columns”, although in reality there are only 86. Each column is 6.16m high and 1.2m in diameter. The initial idea was for there to be 90 columns, but finally Gaudi put 4 rosettes of 3m each in diameter in their place to represent the 4 seasons of the year. These rosettes stand out from the rest of the Hall. The creativity is simply inspirational.
The Monumental Staircase
Leaving the Hypostyle Hall, move gradually down the Monumental Staircase, taking your time to pause at the higher levels which are decorated with sculptured fountains. It is a double flight of steps divided into sections, full of details. Stop to enjoy the view from the arched bench. Opposite the bench, there is a tripod that appears to be formed of three snakes. Then get ready to greet two of the most photographed sculptures in Park Güell.
Firstly you will greet the famous brightly coloured dragon or salamander fountain. The reason for the belief that it is a dragon is because the Catalan patron saint is George.
This fountain is photographed by so many people and its image is seen worldwide. It has become a symbol of the park and one of Gaudi´s most recognised emblems. Take your time to look at the beautiful coloured tiles which adorn its brick body, which measures 2.4m in length. Mosaic lovers, you have to see this! Wait your turn to be one of the many who take a photo here!
As you move down a few more steps, you will see another stunning mosaic, the snake´s head surrounded by a large Catalan Flag mosaic shield. As the Park was envisioned by Gaudi as a focus of Catalan nationalism, he inserted numerous motifs from Catalan culture into the park.
As you stand at the base of the monumental staircase you will see it is framed by two convex walls with stunning mosaic tiles.
Gaudi's Porter's Lodge and Office
As you turn around from the monumental staircase you will see the stunning Porter's Lodge and Office in all their glory. On the left is the Porter's Lodge. It was built between 1901 and 1903 and is one of the few examples of the modest dwellings created by Gaudi, practical and simple yet with a remarkable Catalan vault style. On the right of the main entrance is the office where you will see blue and white tiles culminating in a tower with a four-armed cross. Both buildings are in the modernist style, with rooves made of Catalan clay tiles and feature stunning colourful trencadís mosaics. Take time to see the different styles on each building, from the window frames up to the top of the rooves. If you have time, don't just admire the construction and design of these buildings from from the outside. Go inside where you will see a waiting room, a telephone booth and the Park's museum.
Park Güell is one of the most emblematic places to visit in Barcelona. It is, without a doubt, one of the most exceptional illustrations of the genius of Gaudi, where his vision to integrate architecture with its natural surroundings is simply breathtaking. In my opinion, it will continue to draw visitors for years to come and will continue to be the city's most important and prominent park. I trust that as you enjoy the photos from my visit, which give only a glimpse of the park, perhaps you too will be inspired to visit Park Güell. Soak in Gaudi's inspirational creativity and be amazed by this innovator and his craftsmanship.
Creative designs inspired by flowers
I am inspired by the shapes, colours and details in flowers. Many of my mosaic designs have floral patterns. Whether creating a simple pattern based on a daisy, or enjoying the prolific bird of paradise flowers which can be seen across the island of Tenerife, I enjoy exploring God´s varied creation of flora and, in turn, I am blessed to use the creativity that He has given me in each of my mosaic designs.
Your ideas are sources of inspiration
I am always delighted to receive commissions and to hear about your dreams and ideas which you would love to see transformed into spectacular mosaics. During my time working with clients, every design and request has been different. This has allowed me to produce a varied portfolio and enjoy each new design challenge. Starting fresh with each new piece and using your ideas as a source of new inspiration, I enjoy the process which leads to the finished product. I love showing how I bring my unique style into the design which you initiated. The tiles are chosen carefully to create stunning effects, adding colour and depth to the mosaics. It is my pleasure to work to each client´s specific requests and create beautiful masterpieces of their dreams.
Creativity in the mosaic process
The complete mosaic process, from the initial consultation to the design stage through to the creation of the finished product, is completed meticulously by myself. I bring my unique style to each piece whilst working within the guidelines given by a client. I love putting my own artistic stamp on a permanent design that will last for years.
I enjoy working with different tesserae, but most of my projects are completed with vitreous, metallic and iridescent glass tiles. From very small mosaics to large exterior mosaics, I am always thrilled to create new, inspirational designs with stunning results. Lost for hours in each part of the process, thoroughly engrossed in the joy it brings, I work to complete everything to perfection.
Even when using the same tools, tesserae, substrate and techniques, it is the creativity and ideas behind each design that makes this process of creating a mosaic so special. Bringing fresh inspiration to each mosaic creates yet another stunning piece to add to my collection.
Whilst many of my pieces are commissions and are sold directly to the client who requested them, I love to spend time creating pieces with the wider public in mind. Sometimes I am absorbed in the creation of a design which will result in a mosaic to be sold in my shop. At other times I am creating specific designs for workshops and Mosaic Club with your enjoyment in mind so that you can join me to create these projects yourself.
Mosaic designs into printed products
I am so proud to look back over the development of my own modern style of mosaics. Whilst I know that I still have much to bring to this journey, I am delighted to have created so many unique designs to date and to have built up a portfolio of many beautiful finished mosaics which I have produced. The mosaics are a one-off original product which can never be exactly reproduced in another mosaic.
However, the original design can now be enjoyed by many of my customers. It has been wonderful to develop my own range of printed products which display a selection of my unique designs.
I hope that you will be inspired by my creativity and come along this design journey with me. Whether you follow along with my updates on Social Media or wish to purchase one of my creations, I pray that you will also be inspired by my love of creativity in mosaic design.
