We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lisa Scarbath. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lisa below.
Alright, Lisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far is my Pieces of History: EC250 Mosaic. In celebration of my home town’s 250th anniversary, I invited the public to send me items and material to be included in a mosaic. Along with the “stuff.” I asked the participant to send a “story,” a few lines explaining why Ellicott City is special to them. I received more than 80 pieces and incorporated them into a six-part mosaic depicting iconic images from the historic town. You can see the work in person at 8095 Main Street in Ellicott City and read the stories on my website www.PiecefulDesignsMosaics.com
Lisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Resident Artist at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City, MD, where I have a working studio and teach classes. I have been creating mosaic art since 2018, but have always been creative and experimented with many mediums. Primarily self-taught, my background is actually in law and my former careers were as an attorney and professor.
I work with a variety of materials from smalti, stained glass and glass tiles, to slate, stone and found objects. I create both 2D and 3D artwork, both realistic and abstract, and I enjoy challenging myself technically with each new project. Inspiration comes from photographs I’ve taken so that each piece tells a story. One of the challenges I love the most is having a customer entrust me with creating a work of art especially for them either by upcycling a piece of their own history into something new by honoring their furry family member in a mosaic portrait.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One of the biggest pivots in my adult life has been to pursue my passion in art and to make it my business. When my third child was in high school, I had to make a choice about moving from being a part-time adjunct professor to full time employee. I applied to a new position, but when the other candidate got the position, I immediately took some of my work to a local arts center to sell. My decision to focus exclusively on my mosaics was made the very next day when all three pieces sold! I finished out my last semester in the fall of 2019 and haven’t looked back.
One of the most memorable moments for me was when I was out to lunch with a friend who told me that I was an inspiration for her by finding my passion, creating new dreams and making it happen. I didn’t intend to be a role model for anyone else, but if that is a result of me working and learning every day, then I’m even happier! I am working harder and more hours than I ever have, but love every minute of it!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is how more fulfilling my life feels. From the new people I’ve met (developing a community of other creatives, customers and or students), the way I see the world (noting details and sources for inspiration) and the joy I can bring to others by bringing their visions to life in an artwork. 
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PiecefulDesignsMosaics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piecefuldesignsmosaics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiecefulDesignsMosaics
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-scarbath-98151b9/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCklkoacTHL8ksuCdap4ltHw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pieceful-designs-mosaics-ellicott-city
- Other: https://bakerartist.org/portfolios/lisa-scarbath