We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lisa Scarbath. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What battle are you avoiding?
Decluttering! I love when I travel and stay in an ultra-modern apartment that is void of stuff. I have lived in the same house for 25 years where we have raised a family and gathered things over the years. I also have lots of materials for my art – everything has potential! I don’t make the time to streamline my surroundings but know I should – it would make my life and work so much easier in the long run, but there are always deadlines to meet!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a mixed media mosaic artist and Resident Artist at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City, MD. I love using a variety of materials in my work – choosing each intuitively based on the final image that I want to create. Each mosaic has a story to tell – individual pieces come together in a unified way as a representational landscape or more organic abstract.
My latest series, Pieces of Summer, is a celebration of my favorite season. Through vibrant colors and tactile materials, I aim to evoke the warmth of sun-filled days, the gentle summer breezes, and the joyful energy that this time of year brings. I hope viewers not only see these mosaics but feel transported to their own cherished summer moments.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Disappointing others. Throughout my life, I have always given too much power to others by worrying about what they think I should do, be like, say, etc. Only in my 50’s and doing what I love am I learning to listen to myself more than others. I am a work in progress.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I tend to show everything on my face. The only things the public can’t see about me are also the things that I can’t see about myself.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
I have been tap-dancing for the past 6 year! I created my first mosaic in January 2018 and had that classic “aha!” moment. I have been learning, practicing and challenging myself ever since. My work is the only area of my life where I tend to jump in with both feet before looking where I’m going. For the most part it has paid off, and I am excited every day!
For example, in 2021, only 3 years into my art practice, I was inspired by projects by two other mosaic artists and decided to create a public art project to celebrate my town’s 250th anniversary. I asked the public to send me material and items to put into a mosaic along with a story about why the town is special to them. More than 80 people and businesses participated! I was overjoyed and terrified – now I really had to do it because so many people were counting on me. I created a 6-part mosaic depicting iconic images from our town with the items and materials embedded in it. Looking back, I was crazy to take on such a technically challenging project at that time with my limited skills, but it was thrilling! The community participation and response were emotionally positive, and it encouraged me to do the same sort of project for a larger county next time!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.piecefuldesignsmosaics.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecefuldesignsmosaics/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-scarbath-98151b9/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiecefulDesignsMosaics/
- Other: https://bakerartist.org/portfolios/lisa-scarbath
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
