Moon, Sea and Stars

Julia's piece for the IPAF was a form of pique assiette mosaic, which evolved over the course of two weeks. Because Julia was working outisde on the walls of a family home, it was important to have all design decisions be absolutely collaborative. She used mosaic tiles, beads, shells, bric-a-brac and mirrors. Decisions around imagery and colour were made together; the woman and girls created their own mosaic projects which they embedded into the wall; the owner of the house gave Julia some of her exquisite crockery to use, which her late husband had bought for her twenty years ago. Kids from the neighbourhood arrived most days after school to add bits and pieces. The heat and wind played a role, grouting the mosaic under those conditions was particularly tiring. One night towards the end of the festival, in an attempt to get finished on time, the family and Julia worked with coffee until 11pm under a spotlight donated by the neighbours. Julia says that it was indeed a privilege to have the creative project be welcomed by the family in such a positive and participative way.