Story & Lesson Highlights with Brenda Pokorny

Brenda Pokorny shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Brenda, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
My goal has always been to create beauty and joy. I have taken many detours along my path, but each detour has been a project that pursues this goal. Fed by my instincts as a mother to provide enriching magical content – be it art, décor, books, or entertainment – I have always focused on generating joyfulness. Adding beauty to the world. And bringing a smile.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a mosaic artist, and have recently been specializing in public art projects for non-profits and municipalities, as well as private commissions such as garden benches and interior architectural mosaics.

I have produced a body of mosaic artwork inspired by mandalas, labyrinths, gardens and hedge mazes. The last few years, I have collaborated with a projection designer to create immersive experiences based on these themes. My company, Get Lost Mazes has brought these installations to life in locations across the United States, where the public is invited to wander through magical animated artful environments. I am always looking for venues where we can stage our experiences for larger audiences.

Another detour I have taken recently is finally publishing children’s books, which I wrote and illustrated many years ago, and have unearthed from the archives. My Garden, a charming little book inspired by my grandfathers, who loved gardening, was published in April 2025. A few more whimsical books are in the works for 2026.

One more detour I am currently taking is the development of a board game, Dog Park, (patent pending), which is a fanciful, family-friendly race through a labyrinth.

Despite these detours, I continue to work in my studio every day, creating colorful, and hopefully beautiful, mosaic artwork.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I distinctly remember one summer morning, probably 10 years ago, when I looked out my bedroom window, smelled fresh, warm air, heard goldfinches singing, saw cranesbills and coneflowers in full bloom, and realized how very lucky I was. My sons were healthy young adults and had moved away. My husband was kind and completely supportive of my work. I had no responsibilities. I could do anything I wanted. What I realized was that I was immensely grateful. Every hour that I spent playing with glass in my studio, or puttering in the garden, was a gift. I have attempted to say a silent thank you every morning since that day. And, I have attempted, through my art, to say a public thank you.

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Young Brenda was a shy nerd. I had absolutely no confidence. I started wearing eyeglasses at a very young age, and was very self-conscious about that. My solution was to retreat to my room and doodle. I drew on everything. Paper, notebooks, school textbooks, furniture, and even walls. I drew patterns, mazes, and intricate designs across every surface available. Not smart! But, this was my therapy. Alone in my room, listening to music and drawing brought me peace, and confidence. It is still my happy place today.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes! I am exactly who you perceive me to be. I am patient, calm, and mostly soft-spoken, but I am not particularly diplomatic. The only thing I hope people think of me is that I have integrity. I am beyond worrying if they like me. I’m eager to support my friends and acquaintances who I admire, and I’m not opposed to sharing my dislike for people or issues I disagree with. I am honest, and I take pride in “telling it like it is” instead of sugarcoating.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Until a couple years ago, I knew I loved working in my studio creating my mosaic pieces, but if you were to ask what my purpose was, I would have to admit it was because my work made me happy. Then a woman contacted me to create a garden bench in memory of her late son. I worked with her on the design and delivered the bench to her. After we placed the bench in its garden setting, she hugged me, and told me this was the first bit of joy she had felt since her son had died. It was heartbreaking. Yet, at that moment, I knew this was what I was meant to do. Creating my art was not just indulging my own ego. It was making life ever so slightly better for her, and hopefully for many people.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brendapokornymosaics.com and https://www.getlostmazes.com
• Instagram: @bapokorny
• Linkedin: Brenda Pokorny Mosaics
• Facebook: Brenda Pokorny’s Beads and Pieces
• Youtube: @brendapokornymosics

Image Credits
Mitchell Kearney, Jeff Cason