Phases of Sun & Moon
by Debra DSouza
Stained glass mosiac with fused glass, 2023
As a child I knew I wanted to be an artist. I loved to draw, paint and be creative. I also was an observer, noticing the clouds, trees, water and just being aware of the world around me. The same as noticing all the beauty held within a single sheet a glass. I like to say “I paint with glass”, I select the color, cut the shape and lay it in. Each mosaic I create has an artistic inspiration and personal connection. Although size and detail of design often dictate how long it takes to create, the ebb and flow of life can also influence my creative process. “Phases of Sun & Moon” is my interpretation of passing time. All living things are affected by time passing but there is the constant rhythm of the Sun and the Moon. This rhythm influences our lives and shines beauty on the world.
Location: Alley to the East of the Historic Chateau Theatre
15 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902 (Peace Plaza)
About the Artist:
Debra DSouza was born and raised in the upper Midwest and currently lives in Austin, MN. She has a BFA in Studio Art with a painting emphasis from UW-Stout. Although she has used many mediums for her creative process, her favorite is glass. She has studied with master mosaicists world-wide. She is expanding her mosaic practice by adding fused glass elements to her designs, and currently studies glass fusing with the Maestro Narcissus Quagliata. Her mosaic art is included in private and permanent collections, including Stanford University, Penn State, Health Partners, Hennepin County Medical, Mayo Health System, Marshfield Clinic and the City of Rochester, MN. Her mosaics can be found in multiple regional art galleries and she teaches workshops at a variety of locations within SE Minnesota. Currently working on public art project “Links” Rapid Transit System for the City of Rochester.
Other accomplishments include, past recipient twice of a Creative Support for Individuals Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, a SEMAC Established Artist Grant and twice awarded an artist residency in Ireland. She continues to expand her knowledge and experience with the art of mosaic and glass.
Find more of Deb’s work:
Acknowledgements:
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, in partnership with the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, and Threshold Arts.
Photos by Choochoo-ca-chew