Mosaic Art by Cate Thomassen Inspiration for my mosaics is drawn from the unrefined beauty of the natural environment. I am captivated by its complexity of form, texture, colour, light, and the impression it gives of perfect simplicity. Rarely without a camera, I use photos taken while hiking, tide pooling or otherwise engaging with flora and fauna as a spark for a new piece—they’re not literal guides. There is no plan. From there I build organically. Stained and vitreous glass, as well as minerals; both polished and unpolished, are among my favorite materials. Using and shaping the geometry of hard-edged materials, I love the challenge of portraying the texture, flow and topography of living forms—images in nature.