ECVA - Kathy Thaden - Holy Presence

Breaking the Ties That Bind

Smalti, rusted metal, ceramic, millefiori, assorted wood and glass beads
16"x16"

Artist Statement: Process: Often inspired by current events, I try to respond to the world around me. This is my attempt at untangling the complicated issues over race that permeate every level of our society. The bonds of racism go deep in this country, and while creating this mosaic the materials that spoke to me were dark, rusted and broken, blacks, browns and reds… The ‘chain’ of glass meanders through the mosaic intentionally as well, honoring those who were enslaved, forced to endure horrific conditions.

Our Baptismal Covenant asks, “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” and “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”

Bio: Kathy Thaden’s contemporary mosaics range from abstracts to commissioned work. Inspired by nature and the desert Southwest, her hope is to express care for the earth and all humanity. Through her art, she strives to understand our role within society, seeking to engage the viewer in a visual narrative.

“My work as an artist is informed by my faith – expressing awe at creation and the Creator. As a mosaicist, I treasure scrap glass and discarded items from our ‘throw-away’ consumer culture. It is important to me that nothing be wasted, finding beauty in the brokenness.”

A full-time studio artist and founding member and Past-President of Colorado Mosaic Artists, Kathy leads mosaic retreats and teaches mosaic workshops in-person as well as online. Kathy's study of fine arts and degree in Commercial Art led her to a career in broadcast design. For 25 years, Kathy worked in television as art director, animator, and graphic designer, winning numerous honors for design, including seven Emmy Awards. Seeking something more tactile, for the past 20 years Kathy's creativity has come through her mosaic art. www.thadenmosaics.com