We recently connected with Carlos González García and have shared our conversation below.
Carlos, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
Observing my parents navigate the challenges of legal migration, grappling with limited English proficiency, and working tirelessly to provide a comfortable life for our family has profoundly shaped me from a young age. Witnessing my father’s long hours in restaurants and his relentless pursuit of self-improvement has set me on a path of motivation in everything I undertake. The values instilled in me include the commitment to working diligently, approaching life with a calm and loving demeanor, and savoring the precious moments we have each day.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a person dedicated to being the best that I can with dedication and hard work. While I don’t claim to know everything, I embrace the challenges that come with learning new skills, such as delving into the realms of politics and architecture. However, where I find the most comfort and passion is in putting together mosaics with my hands and solving each puzzle that is Infront of me.
For the past 24 years, I have immersed myself in the handcraft of making mosaics, a process that involves breaking glass, reassembling the pieces, and ultimately conveying a compelling story through the finished piece. The love I have for this art form is evident in the time and effort I’ve devoted to it.Discovering this fulfilling profession was the result of my adventurous spirit and a willingness to take risks without knowing exactly where the journey would lead. This pursuit of the unknown brought me to a small town called Spilimbergo, Italy, in 2001, where I pursued a three-year degree in mosaics. It was a transformative experience that has shaped my identity as an artist and allowed me to channel my creativity into a meaningful and fulfilling life.
In addition to creating mosaics, I find immense joy in educating others about this art form through workshops at my Hillsborough Mosaic Studio (visit ncmosaics.com). It’s a fulfilling experience that allows me to transport participants to the captivating world of mosaics, reminiscent of the place where I studied. Sharing the intricate process of crafting mosaics not only reveals the beauty of art creation but also emphasizes how time seems to pause when engrossed in this mesmerizing craft. It’s my way of instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the artistry involved in making mosaics.
Beyond operating a mosaic studio, I am also an artist actively involved in shaping and sharing my concepts for both past and ongoing Public Art projects in the State of North Carolina and around the world. Collaborating with fellow artists, such as Eliza Redman, in the realm of Public Art has been an enriching adventure that fuels my passion each time a set pieces down like a painter does with his oil paints.
This artistic journey allows me to engage in a comprehensive 360-degree approach—conceiving the concept, designing the artwork, and crafting a narrative that will be embedded in a site for years to come. It brings me immense satisfaction to create stories through art that endure, providing enjoyment and inspiration for viewers who encounter these installations in various public spaces. In essence, I am a family-oriented individual who cherishes every smile life brings. In the moments of leisure, my passion for mosaics comes to life, allowing me to express creativity and bring vibrant stories for others to enjoy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Embracing a secure sense of self has empowered me to pursue opportunities that led me to study overseas, particularly in a mosaic school where Italian was the sole language of instruction. Taking that leap into the unknown, even if uncertain of the outcome, has been a source of strength and personal growth. Through this experience, I discovered that mosaics not only granted me the technical knowledge but also provided a platform to connect with individuals from diverse corners of the world, including Croatia, Holland, Germany, France, Japan, Hungary, and many more.
The camaraderie and laughter shared with people from different cultures while creating mosaics over the years have been priceless. Finding joy in life through a skill I excel at has been a rewarding journey. Moreover, my exposure to and collaboration with the finest mosaic studios globally equipped me with the skills and confidence to eventually embark on independent projects. In today’s world, the value of experience in professions often goes unnoticed. Learning from past experiences and being creative makes Mosaic Art a medium with many languages. It’s an open book that each mosaic artist narrates with materials instead of words.
Honesty, Authenticity, Kindness, are qualities that not only reflect who I am about my compassionate character but also open the door to the possibility of surprising and meaningful connections with everyone I encounter.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A student of Elena Pauletto while attending the International Mosaic School from 2001 to 2004 was a transformative experience that shaped not only my artistic journey but also my understanding of Italian culture, design, and architecture. The school, nestled in Spilimbergo, Italy, provided a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the intricate world of mosaics while collaborating with diverse groups on projects destined for global destinations.
The guidance and mentorship of our remarkable teachers remain etched in my memory. Their dedication and support throughout the three-year program were instrumental in honing my skills and fostering a deep appreciation for mosaics. What made the experience particularly memorable was the absence of modern distractions like Apple phones and apps, allowing for uninterrupted communication and immersive learning and lots of Wine! — a true adventure.
The International Mosaic School not only provided me with technical expertise but also instilled in me a profound sense of cultural appreciation. It was a formative period that continues to shape my artistic vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ncmosaics.com/ + https://www.mosaichardscapes.com/
- Instagram: @ncmosaics + @cggmor + @mosaichardscapes
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Twitter: @CGGMorelos
Image Credits
@carlosgonzalez
