Into God's Good Future (a.k.a. Mestizaje)
by Kathy Thaden
(Mosaic, 2006, 16 1/4" x 12 1/4")
Trinity Episcopal Church - Kremmling, CO
thadenmosaics@yahoo.com
 

 
“Mestizaje” is my vision of new and distinct cultures being added to my own inner being. Recently inspired by petroglyph spirals in New Mexico and by theologian Virgilio Elizondo, I can imagine “a new mosaic of the human race.”
 
As a mosaic artist, Kathy Thaden is inspired to work with Christian symbols, icons and other sacred imagery. In our throwaway society, Thaden feels called to reinvent and recycle discarded items -- old boxes and chipped mirrors to name a few -- into objects of art formed in prayer. Stained glass, mirror, glass and ceramic tile, stone, wood and any number of found objects have been incorporated into her mosaics. Working with the broken pieces is a transforming process. Slowly, the pieces change shape, are fit together, and made whole again with glue and grout - often in unexpected ways.
 
Before becoming a full-time studio artist, Thaden was a professional graphic designer and art director. Working in television and broadcast design for over twenty years, her primary focus was on creating imagery for the video screen in addition to various print and set designs. While being honored with numerous awards, including seven Emmy Awards, Thaden’s passion for creativity is now found through mosaics, overflowing beyond computer-generated images into something more tactile.
 
“The journey of leaving my former art career behind and entering the door God has opened for me with my mosaics has been exciting and humbling. An answer to prayer was heard in ‘be open to possibilities’, and here I am.” Thaden’s home is in Kremmling, Colorado with her son and husband, Tim, who is vicar of Trinity Episcopal Church.