Paper Mosaic | Choleena DiTullio

Choleena DiTullio will be showcasing several of her “Paper Mosaic” tile creations; a technique which she has developed herself!  The artworks have the look and feel of ceramic tile but weighs a fraction of ceramic!  Choleena’s work can be viewed in the display window at the 187 Lyon St. north entrance from June 15 to August 31, 2016.

Artist Statement:

I am a very personable and empathetic person and I find my
art allows me to really connect with people. Although art is
a strongly individual experience, it can draw people together
even when their interpretation of a piece is quite different.
I strive to create pieces that will appeal to a large audience
while, at the same time, have quirky, interesting bits that
make many of my pieces quite intimate to individuals. In
working to connect to people and have them connect to each
other, through art, I use methods, materials and often references
to popular culture that facilitate this.
Modern Mosaics: I have recently invented a new method of
recreating the classic and widely appreciated form of art – ceramic
tile mosaic – with a process that eliminates many of the
challenges presented by the classic form. There is no longer
any risk of the medium cracking or chipping like there was
with smaller, somewhat mobile ceramic mosaics. Large, classic
tile mosaics were often permanent installations, while even
my largest pieces are easily mobile. My pieces are comparably
light and sturdy, much like a painting, making them easy to
store, transport and install. This newly developed method of
creating ceramic-like mosaics —largely using recycled and
natural papers, vegetable dyes, and acrylic gel— allows me to
create artworks that mimic the luminescence and rich surface
of traditional tile mosaic. You won’t believe that it is paper. I
call this innovative medium Paper Tile Mosaic.
The evolution of this medium allows mosaics to be seen by
a much larger portion of the population than in the past.
Smaller works, not requiring a dedicated site for permanent
installation, are possible with my new medium. With
this unique process, I am expanding my practice further by
stretching my comfort level in subject matter. My original
love of the natural world is obvious in my work but recently
aspects of my other interests are starting to be represented.
This has allowed me to increasingly reflect and comment on
local and global social interests and movements. For example,
my work has recently been exploring Steampunk themes.
There is a strong idea in Steampunk art that merges the biological
with the mechanical; often with strong, historical settings
that express appreciation for the technology in our lives
and how it can have its own beauty aside from its function.
To me, it is an expression of how much more often we are
all struggling with the larger and larger impact of technology
on our lives. I hope you will take a moment to look over my
greater selection of works online at www.choleena.com