Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brigitte Messali. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brigitte, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I learned the art of mosaic while living in Beirut, Lebanon, and spent eight years in a Middle Eastern country during the Arab Spring and the Syrian war. One day I decided to create a mosaic based on a photograph that depicted a street in NYC. Initially, the image represented a happy, carefree life far removed from the context of war that I was familiar with. I realized that I wanted to create something that reflected the reality of the situation I was close to. As a result, I decided to create a new mosaic that depicted the same scene but set in Raqa., devastated city to which I was emotionally close. This was a challenge, as I needed to create a piece of art that represented a war scene in a respectful and thought-provoking manner. The once beautiful NYC buildings became partially destroyed and gray and black, the yellow taxis became ambulances, the pedestrians became white ghosts, and the sky turned red and orange. When viewed together, these two mosaics offered a stark contrast, highlighting the differences between life in a peaceful country and life in a war-torn country.
During an exhibition, I was thrilled when a charming couple purchased both mosaics together. This validated my efforts to use art as a means of communicating the realities of war and the impact it has on people’s lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was born in the south of France and moved to the USA in 2001. Between 2008 and 2017 I spent time in Middle East countries. In Lebanon I studied all the mosaic techniques from the ancestral way to the more modern technics along a 3 years diploma at the University Saint Joseph in Beirut.

Since I elaborate also my own designs getting my inspiration from pieces of linen, carpets, china , combining shapes and colors to create a world full of colors, texture, scent and music but a major part of my work is to translate in mosaic some famous painters like Klimt or Van Gogh or oriental artists .

A significant part of my work involves translating the works of famous painters such as Klimt, Van Gogh, and oriental artists into mosaic pieces. I predominantly use glass tile tesserae, gold, gold-based glass tiles, mirrors, marble, stone, broken china, and Murano millefiori to create my pieces. My work is versatile and can be used to decorate various parts of your home, including walls and floors. It’s important to note that each of my pieces is unique.
In addition I create mosaic objects such as shoes, masks, plates, and furniture. I typically work on commissions and have been doing so for several years.
Over the past year, I have also started teaching mosaic classes in my own studio.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being an artist is a rewarding experience on multiple levels. Firstly, it is a completely personal experience where one creates art for themselves. Artists can express themselves freely and do what they enjoy. The second level of reward is when the public recognizes and appreciates their art. It’s an incredible feeling when someone purchases a piece of art that resonates with them emotionally. This is especially true when the buyer is someone who share the same emotion than yours about the artwork piece.The third level of reward comes from teaching others. Beyond teaching the technical aspects of the art form, mosaic has proven to be a therapeutic experience for many of my students. While mosaic requires focus, imagination, concentration, and dexterity, it also brings a sense of calmness to those who engage in it. Several of my students have even reported positive health effects such as quitting smoking or drinking, and lowering their high blood pressure. For most, my classes offer an escape from their day-to-day routines or work-related stressors.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I will fully dedicate myself to my mosaic art, it will be the third career in my life. Previously, I spent almost two decades as an advisor at the French Ministry of Finances in the foreign trade department in Paris, and then almost the same period as a realtor in the Washington DC area. However, very soon, I will be ready to fully embrace my passion for mosaic art and make it my primary focus. This pivot is a time of freedom and introspection. My children are grown-up and I am less concerned with the outside world after being heavily involved in my previous careers. This time of calm and clarity allows me to translate my experiences and emotions into my work and teaching.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themosaicbox.com
• Instagram: brigitte_messali_mosaic
• Facebook: themosaicbox