When Deb Dodd discovered mosaics over 20 years ago, she started a creative practice she thought she’d never have.
“As a teenager I loved visual art, but I had limited exposure to different artistic forms. I honestly thought you could only be an artist if you could draw or paint. I couldn’t, and so I felt intimidated and shied away from practicing art. Then, when I was in my early 30s, my niece gifted me a mosaic that she had made. I created my first piece shortly after and then I was hooked!”
Over the years, Deb has discovered that her technique has improved and her style has developed. She often uses found items in her mosaics, and loves the variety of colours and textures that pieces of crockery provide – along with the “delightfully unpredicable” results.
Deb finds her mosaic practice promotes mindfulness:
“It requires patience and focus. There is no stress to achieve perfection, so I find it very meditative.”
Deb has been involved in community arts for over 10 years. Her first project was a large mosaic garden sign for an open garden event in Benalla. She’s also been involved with North East Artisans (NEA), and worked in alternative school settings offering mosaic art to students.
“Mosaics is an accessible art form for most abilities. The results are usually very pleasing; promoting a feeling of accomplishment and pride.”
In 2020, Deb moved to Stanhope and opened the Many Makers Gallery where she promoted the creative work of over 50 makers in a vibrant retail gallery.
“I met so many talented people during my involvement with NEA and while running my Stanhope gallery. There are many artists and hobbyists seeking outlets for their work and I was proud to provide a space to do that. Sadly, circumstances changed and I had to close the gallery in 2023.”
With a keen sense of the value of community arts spaces, Deb is now a member of the Rushworth Art Depot where she hopes to run mosaic workshops and organise community mosaic projects.
“Every town needs a welcoming community arts space – a permanent home for creative practices. Creative groups know only too well how hard it is to find long term suitable and affordable accommodation. Most towns have permanent sporting facilities, so why not suitable, accessible to all, community art facilities?”
Deb will be showing and demonstrating her work at the Rushworth Art Depot during our open studio weekend.
Campaspe Artists Studio Trail 