We are constantly amazed by the talent our Relics & Artifacts® Tribe exhibits and from time to time, we like to feature exceptional talent and innovation here on the Muse.  Today's featured artist is Carrie Eckert.  She is widely known in our Tribe for her astounding Frida collages.  Let us take a moment to get to know a bit more about Carrie.

I have been a compulsive creator of art since I was a little girl. I started by making sand candles and purses as a young child and sold them to a few stores in my town. Later in my early teens years, I studied ballet. During all the time spent in between rehearsals, all the girls would knit. I also learned to quilt at that time. Our ballet instructor, who came from Russia, taught us how to make ballet costumes and headpieces.  I also choreographed ballets and taught ballet. After I stopped dancing, I needed to fill  that creative void.  I taught myself how to paint faux finishes. I also created bead work for clothes.

While my children were babies and I stayed home, I began to make jewelry and sold them to stores and to special customers. While visiting Barcelona, Spain one year, I was in awe with the works of Antoni Gaudi. I loved the vibrance of all the colors in mosaics. That was my new passion in the '90's! I began reading everything on how to make mosaic structures with cement. 

Fast forward to 2014, when we moved to La Quinta, California. I finally have an art studio where I can create 24/7! I  branched out from just using mosaics to adding mixed media.  And one thing leads to another. Now I am an obsessive junk yard dog. I'm making weekly trips to the local thrift stores in the hunt for vintage and upcycled castaways! (I sneak it home  so my husband doesn't see my new treasures.)

Now I use metal, canvas, wood, plastic,  paint and just about anything I find to create mixed media and assemblage art. I continue to branch out and try new things. I am a self taught artist, doing what I love to do, creating unique art stories with a theme. I do not  limit my work to one style because I would become too bored. I like to mix up my art to keep myself interested.

Carrie continues to wow the senses on her Facebook page, Mosaics By Carrie, as well as on Twitter (@mosaicsbycarrie).  She welcomes commission requests and can be reached via her website, Mosaics By Carrie.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful art, vision, and creative brilliance with us, Carrie!  We look forward to seeing your future works.