My work is primarily inspired by ornamental art from the East and the West, subtly combining and fusing different designs from Asia, the Middle East and India as well as Celtic patterns, Art Nouveau and Art Deco - to name but a few. A strong element of my work is the inspiration drawn from life's quirky and often comedic nature.

Whilst my creations are largely based on the traditional method of mosaic, I endeavour to produce artwork that is distinct, aesthetic and accessible, creating anything for interior or exterior applications; from small scale pieces such as stepping stones to larger scale projects such as murals, sculptures and ornamental pieces.

With community projects, I have found an area of my art that has purpose and meaning with more than just ornamental value. It is this that I am most passionate. In these community projects I enter with a humanitarian spirit to assist others create collaboratively; to encourage a collective learning initiative in a supportive and nurturing environment. My aim is simple: to encourage the freedom of creative self-expression and community spirit within a mosaic medium context.

Mosaic has allowed me to encompass a number of creative pursuits in one venture: furniture restoration, interior design, web design, architecture, gardening and even travel! I am a consummate recycler and I love to browse through all kinds of places looking for materials and bases to mosaic with - nothing gets past my eye, and everything is judged by whether or not it can be tiled! Rarely do I come home empty handed. (I am known as the Dumpster Diva!)

Since 2009, I have spent my time honing my teaching skills, teaching others passionate about the mosaic arts and I have quickly made a name for myself attracting students nationwide to participate in mosaic classes as well as travelling to teach. I have become known for not only being able to deliver on the creation of my mosaic art, but also in successful delivery of educational modules for young children right through to adults. As of 2011, I have facilitated Visiting Artists workshops, drawing from the large pool of talent and knowledge both here in Australia and overseas.

I am based in Canberra, Australia.

EXHIBITION HISTORY

2009

• MAANZ 30:30 Vision "Crusty Oceania"; 1 September - 11 October, Brisbane Square Library, Brisbane, Australia

2008

• Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo; 22 - 24 February, EPIC, Canberra, Australia

2007

• MAANZ 30:30 Vision "Insects Glimmering"; 30 November - 9 December, Balmain Watch House, Sydney, Australia
• Mosaic Association of Australia & New Zeland 2007 Symposium Exhibition; 18 - 23 September, The Long Gallery, Hobart, Australia
• Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo; 23 - 25 February, EPIC, Canberra, Australia

2006

• Mosaic Association of Australia Mosaic Arts Sydney Exhibition; 1 - 12 November, Newspace Gallery, Sydney, Australia
• Floriade's "Carnivale: The World on Show"; 25 - 29 September, Canberra, Australia

AWARDS

2008

• 1st prize, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section
• 2nd prize, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section
• 3rd prize, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section
• Reserve Champion, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section

2007

• 1st prize, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section
• Highly Commended, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section
• Reserve Champion, Royal Canberra Show Crafts Expo, Glass and Mosaics section

  PUBLICATIONS

2011

• Mosaic Art Today, Edited by Jeffrey B Snyder

2009

• Mosaic Artist's Technique Bible, by Teresa Mills
• Mosaic Art 5, an international portfolio of contemporary mosaic art from 2009

2008

• Mosaic Art 4, an international portfolio of contemporary mosaic art from 2008

2007

• Mosaic Art 3, an international portfolio of contemporary mosaic art from 2007

2006

• Mosaic Art 2006 Yearbook, a collection of work from mosaic artists around the world

MEDIA

2008

• "School art one piece at a time", The Chronicle

2011

• "Midnight Garden, mosaic making at Curtin Primary", The Riot Act

2012

• "Stuff and nonsense in art show", City News
• "Students cement their role in History", Queanbeyan Age
• "Art makes precinct a special place", The Chronicle
• "Youthful mosaics for new Queanbeyan precinct", City News
• "Public art 'shaping up' in Crawford st", City News

FEATURES

• Stacy Alexander's "Listen to my Art Beat": Kim Grant - Mosaics that Dazzle
• DUST Team Blog

AFFILIATIONS

• Member of the Mosaic Association of Australia and New Zealand (MAANZ) since 2006

CONTINUING MOSAIC EDUCATION

2009

• Sherri Warner Hunter, A Lighter Base for 3D Mosaics: Polystyrene Forms and Polymer-Fortified
  Concrete, Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Conference, San Diego, CA, USA
• George Fishman, Anatomy of a Mural, SAMA Conference, San Diego, CA, USA
• Sue Gianotti, Mosaic Design Basics: Using Colour, Value & Andamento, SAMA Conference, San Diego, CA, USA
• Shug Jones, Perspective, Value & Colour: Working Realistically in Mosaic, MAANZ Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia

2008

• Laurel True, Mosaic Mural Making Intensive, Institute of Mosaic Art, Oakland CA, USA
• Divine Glass Design, Fusing & Slumping Glass, Canberra, ACT, Australia

2005

• Laurel True, Architectural Applications, Institute of Mosaic Art, Oakland CA, USA

© Kim Grant