Passion
It’s wonderful when you meet people passionate about their work, and totally fascinating. When you realise exactly how much of this lady’s life has revolved around Mosaics and conservation, and the long list of qualifications and commissions, which includes working in the Department of Ceramics, Glass & Mosaics at The British Museum from 1984 to 1988, all highly commendable, to say the least!
Foundations
I met Sharen when she opened her workshop over 24 years ago, a Lancashire lass, Sharen comes from a family of female artists, and graduated in Fine Art & Sculpture at Exeter Collage of Art & Design, Sharen also holds a diploma in Archaeological Conservation. Her knowledge and experience unquestionable, and in 1987 Sharen was sent to Cyprus by The British Museum to restore Chalcolithic pottery, which continues to be on permanent display in both Paphos and Nicosia Archeological Museums, and as many artists before her, for thousands of years, eventually, her choosing Cyprus for a home.
International
Moving to this wonderful island permanently in 1988, Sharen incorporated the position of Freelance Archaeological & Museum Conservator, ’til 1999, and has since specialised in Bespoke and mosaic Designs, at affordable prices, supplying materials, taking small and large commissions for private homes and corporate buildings in Cyprus and in fact throughout Europe, and these days, Sharen’s Mosaic commissions have also been exported to Canada, America, and Asia.
Commissions
Sharen explained; “Each unique piece brings joy and inspiration to our world, designing our bespoke mosaics, large or small, with attention to detail and they are built to withstand our extreme climatic conditions, bringing permanent colour, texture and strength.” Sharen continued; my inspiration comes from each individual location, and it’s surroundings, and Sharen obviously loves to work in the reproduction of ancient images, uniquely designing her mosaics and art pieces, and a visit to her workshop is an absolute must!
Original Designs
When it comes to design, the list is endless, because so too is her imagination!, but Sharen’s designs include a variety of classical mosaic, abstract, 3D, minimalistic, and decorative designs, using a wide range of materials, including Italian hand cut vitro, natural stone, glass, matt and glazed ceramic tiles.
Light
Sharen also uses, soft and hard metals including; copper, steel, aluminium, and top quality materials from Italy, Portugal, and the Middle East and more recently her tending inspiration is the use of ‘light’ in her works, for example, her Coral Beach Hotel chandelier in 2014 which at the time was the biggest in Cyprus.
Stunning
You can follow her current commissions; like the stunning Mosaic floor, 19 linear meters of hand-cut mosaic tiles for the golf clubhouse at The Elea Estate Golf Course, Paphos. The Memorial Wall for The Evangelism’s Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus … The wonderful work of art behind the bar at Aphrodite Hills Golf Club and at Coral Bay Beach Hotel, Paphos this commission included coming up with a design to change the first impressions as you walk through the door of the hotel, the ancient boat, traditional vases, 3D Art, in fact, 7 pieces of stunning work, leading you from the entrance through to the hotel’s cafe bar …. oh, and The Malibu Beach house, California, USA, and meanwhile Sharen also Studies at The American Academy School, Paphos.
Pafos Mosaic 2017
This project was started in 2012, it’s 100 panels, that travelled individually all over Pafos to be mosaiced by more than 2000 people including school children and adults from Cyprus and abroad. The project raised more than €3000 for The Pafos Hospice. All the materials were donated and the tiles, glass, and Tessera from Sharen’s workshops. Along the way, Sharen was supported by a great team of volunteers, and in 2017 The Municipality of Paphos decided to install this amazing 2 metre work of art at The Attikon Open Air Theatre, in Paphos.
Inspirational
As you walk into the workshop come studio, come college, it just smells like an artists workshop, on display are various works of unique and quite original art, made from the finest quality materials and lots of excellent little ideas, perfect for gifts that will never age! and there’s a cool selection of hand-woven baskets, great for the beach.
Unending Knowledge
By the end of our meeting, it became obvious that Sharen is an innovative and highly creative mosaic artist and art historian. Her knowledge and mosaic production skills are invaluable. She produces unique and inspiring art and installations and is an absolute pleasure to work with, and I highly recommend a visit, or just get in touch to find out where else you can see her current projects.
Teaching
Always a busy lady, Sharen somehow still finds time to run Workshops for adults and Children, providing a full workshop, pro equipped with full resources, materials and pro tools available for all her projects and classes. Why not join her Beginner’s Course, ‘3 Projects 3 Techniques’ a 6 Week Course, meeting once a week, followed by a Glass Cutting Course for Mosaics …
Thursday Mosaics
Sharen’s courses include; glass cutting for mosaics, workshop days, Online Tips, and the Thursday Mosaic Experience for visitors. Meanwhile; Sharen is also Coordinator and Teaching Experience on International Training Courses organised by The Getty Conservation Institute and The Department of Antiquities, Cyprus, again ‘quite impressive’ to say the least! …. These days, Shraren can often fit in last-minute little 2 hour courses … A lovely Familly Experience for at least two people, just call her the day before.
Naturally
Sharen is available for commissions for commercial properties, hotels, pools, spas, clubs, restaurants, and of course private homes, inside or out, and of any size and only the inspirations she gets from each location, and her imagination, extensive knowledge, and experience are the ingredients required to create truly original Piece of Art that will never fade. Give her a call and tell her what you have in mind … trust me, you won’t be disappointed! … Check out her Videos
Open all Year
Daily: 10 am ’til 2.30 pm
Wednesday, Saturday; 10 am ’til 2 pm
Closed on Sundays
But it’s always worth calling
Directions
You’ll find the workshop at 15, To Hani Ibraham Khan, 40 Konstantinou Kanari, 8010, Paphos, in the centre of the old town market area, with one entrance next to the gorgeous Beatriz Cafe in old town, Paphos.
GPS: 34.778711, 32.420850
Mosaics are Masterpieces
of the Ancient World!
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