Connie’s intent is to redefine the purpose of any unique individual object while transforming it with color and texture, imagination, humor and love.
She is drawn to the unique and colorful, and appreciates the subtle nuances and energy she finds in the simplicity of nature. She enjoys working with shells, stones, recycled glass, found objects, petrified wood and a variety of other treasures to create custom fused glass and mosaic installations, original organic sculpture and one of a kind items for the home.
Her passion for the mosaic medium was a natural progression from her love of collecting. This is represented by her work both in the fine arts and commercial commissions. Collecting vintage pottery, found objects, glazed and unglazed ceramics, antique china and glass, shells, petrified wood, rocks and anything else that speaks to her intuition is a daily joy. Mosaic art became an instant source of expression. Through technical study with artists such as Sonia King and Sherry Warner Hunter, Connie’s ability to express her creative gift continues.
In 2015, her “Shell Shocker” was awarded the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, Texas Chapter, John Staub Award, Honorable Mention. In 2010 Connie won a Juror’s Choice Award in the Society of American Mosaic Artists' Mosaic Arts International exhibit for her large-scale installation grotto.
The Studio
A childhood visit to Quigley’s Castle, the “Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” would become a source of inspiration for Connie.
Chantilis has actively explored urban archaeology. Locally, she has unearthed amazing turn of the century objects such as oxidized glass and bottles, metal bike pedals, buttons and coins. By weaving these items into fine arts pieces, she conveys a story that translates into her contemporary works.
Fused glass and photography are also mediums of expression that Connie has explored. Connie Chantilis Designs has expanded into an additional studio that now houses three kilns that are constantly firing to create anything from small pieces, such as sushi plates, to large-scale architectural pieces. Her photography exploration has been combined to create memory artworks.
Connie creates individual works for exhibition, commercial use and private commission, both interior and exterior. She utilizes her creative skills, technical ability and the finest materials sourced locally and from around the world to produce these timeless expressions.
Connie gathers inspiration from both nature and urban environments and blends them into pieces that translate her unique and intuitive understanding of color, texture and form to create both personal and universal stories in her works. This is evident in her 2 and 3 dimensional objects and installations. Connie’s recent works have transcended mosaic to a form of organic sculpture and collage.
INDEPENDENT STUDIES
Concrete Camp
Sherri Warner Hunter, Bell Buckle, Tennessee
www.sherriwarnerhunter.com
July 2007
Connie received comprehensive instruction in large-scale concrete formation. The studies included: foam, polymer fortified and carved hypertufa form in armature or simple cast form and the creation of a base for substantial armatures in interior and exterior works.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
July 2009
St. John's School
Grades 3-6
Connie used hands-on learning to teach principles of color, pattern and repetition while incorporating the use of nature in art in 15 hours of instruction. Projects included modern mosaic safety glass projects, paper mosaics, Italian Millefiori crosses, shell picture frames, and memory slates.
June 2008
Camp Parish Episcopal
Grades 3-6
Connie gave over 10 hours of instruction to kids on mosaic design. The class used hands-on learning to teach principles of color, pattern and repetition while incorporating the use of nature in art. Projects included paper mosaics, Italian Millefiori crosses, shell picture frames, and memory slates.
Spring 2008
Parish Episcopal School
Class Projects 2008, Grades 1 and 3
Connie worked with students to create mini mosaic pieces that were incorporated into larger projects. The larger projects were then sold at auction to raise funds for the school.
August 2007
Mosaic Summer Art Camp at CAC Mosaic Designs Studio
Connie offered studio education in the basic techniques of the mosaic art form, with special emphasis on natural elements. The goal was to provide an environment for children, ages 8-12, meant to enlighten each student to the wonders of their daily existence.
Find Connie Chantilis Designs at:
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