PEOPLE Meet Mosaic artist Petra

from Feb10 East Algarve Magazine

by Richard Bassett

FOCUS ON Take a look at Loulé

People

Marvellous

We were welcomed into Petra’s stunning home and art studio to marvel at her mosaic work.

This month we met up with mosaic artist Petra Kartak and discovered more about the technique she uses to create her beautiful artwork. Petra Kartak, originally from the Czech Republic, lived in Holland for 23 years. It was there that she qualified and practiced as an occupational therapist. She moved to the Algarve 17 years ago to be with her Portuguese partner and, together with her artistic flair, and a lot of hard work, they created a beautiful home and art studio. Although not from an artistic background, Petra ́s natural ability shone through and with her innovative thinking, she started to break and cut tiles and “discovered” mosaics. Her work was of such a good standard that she quickly began to get requests from people who commissioned specific pieces of art to make practical objects become more appealing, for instance, light sconces, shower trays, built in seating areas or hand basins. People often give her a piece of fabric for her to design the piece around and she now also creates beautiful bowls, lamps and wall art. Petra told us about the philosophy behind her work, ‘The mosaic’. “For me it means creating decorative energy within every single piece. Most themes are related to nature. Using ceramic tiles, stones and glass, I create abstract, classical and contemporary work, always looking to transmit a new meaning of decoration. Using the millinery technique of mosaic I like to create pleasant surroundings, working with the available colors in the world of tiles and glass. The secret is within the idea!” Petra uses tiles, sand and cement as a base which is ideal as it is easy to mould and can also be dyed. Petra also uses glass smalti which reflect light in different ways, shells and copper glazed terracotta tiles that create amazing dramatic bronze shadows in the sunlight. Her work ranges from the very simple and bold to very delicate and intricate pieces. Currently Mosaic workshops are held at the São Brás Museum, but if you can join 3 or 4 people interested in participating in a workshop, other locations are possible. Why not organize a Workshop at your B&B or dedicate a part of your holiday learning to make beautiful and useful Mosaics?

For more information about her work or to discuss her mosaic workshops, please contact Petra on 918 209 630 or visit her website www.equilibrio2001.com.