The Artist ~ Cocoa
I am a self taught Puerto Rican/German artist born and raised in Chicago known as Cocoa
(Coconut). I began creating mosaic art in spring of 2000 but it was not until early 2004 that I began
to sell the pieces I created. With that came a problem, be it a good one, too much demand and not
enough supply. In September of 2004 I completed a six-week course with the "World Renowned
Mosaic Artist, Khaim Pinkhasik." I intentionally omitted the fact that I had a general knowledge of
the art so I could learn from the bottom up. I hoped to grasp techniques and methods to shave time
and gain confidence in my process. I had so many design ideas with no idea how to put them to
work.
My Technique
I have expanded my work from creating designs on objects (functional art) to expressing myself
through images. I hand cut all the stained glass and ceramics and blend the cement and mortar
colors making each piece unique and one of a kind. Each piece is created of it's own unique
inspiration, sometimes the design is inspired by the colors of the materials and other times the
colors are worked into design. People are a good source of motivation, their personalities, or a
situation they're going through. And least not forget I use my art to express, and channel emotions I
am confronted with as well. I do not follow any specific technique or method, other than trying to
"feel" the piece that I am working on. If I don't feel that connection it's difficult, and at times seems
painful to continue and/or complete the piece.
Accomplishments
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2008
Juried Exhibitions:
2007
Commissioned Works:
Have been commissioned to create an excess of twenty pieces over the course of four years
Training:
2007
Artist Memberships:
I am a self taught Puerto Rican/German artist born and raised in Chicago known as Cocoa
(Coconut). I began creating mosaic art in spring of 2000 but it was not until early 2004 that I began
to sell the pieces I created. With that came a problem, be it a good one, too much demand and not
enough supply. In September of 2004 I completed a six-week course with the "World Renowned
Mosaic Artist, Khaim Pinkhasik." I intentionally omitted the fact that I had a general knowledge of
the art so I could learn from the bottom up. I hoped to grasp techniques and methods to shave time
and gain confidence in my process. I had so many design ideas with no idea how to put them to
work.
My Technique
I have expanded my work from creating designs on objects (functional art) to expressing myself
through images. I hand cut all the stained glass and ceramics and blend the cement and mortar
colors making each piece unique and one of a kind. Each piece is created of it's own unique
inspiration, sometimes the design is inspired by the colors of the materials and other times the
colors are worked into design. People are a good source of motivation, their personalities, or a
situation they're going through. And least not forget I use my art to express, and channel emotions I
am confronted with as well. I do not follow any specific technique or method, other than trying to
"feel" the piece that I am working on. If I don't feel that connection it's difficult, and at times seems
painful to continue and/or complete the piece.
Accomplishments
Selected Group Exhibitions:
2008
- The 11th Annual Chicago Art Open: Merchandise Mart (Oct 3 – 19, 2008)
- Annual Members Show: Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL (August 1 - 28, 2008)
- "Art Sharks", Shedd Aquarium Benefit (Feb 8, 2008)
- All Manners of Mosaics: Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL (Jan. - March 2007)
- The 10th Annual Chicago Art Open: Iron Studios (Oct 4th – 27th 2007)
Juried Exhibitions:
2007
- Ela Fine Arts Show, Deer Park
- Skokie Art Guild, 46th Annual Art Fair
- Glenview Art League Summer Outdoor Art Fair
- Lakeshore Arts Festival, Evanston
- Barrio Art Fest, Humbolt Park, Chicago
- Underwriters Laboratories Inc, Northbrook
- Fountain Square Festival (Evanston) ~ selected to participate in silent auction
- Around The Coyote Fall Art Festival (Chicago)
Commissioned Works:
Have been commissioned to create an excess of twenty pieces over the course of four years
Training:
2007
- Architectural Mosaics course ~ Chicago Mosaic School (certificate)
- Mosaic Art Design course with “World Renowned Mosaic Artist”, Khaim Pinkhasik (certificate)
Artist Memberships:
- Chicago Artist's Coalition
- Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA)
- Puerto Rican Power (Arts, Culture & Events)
- Woman Made Gallery ~ Chicago
- ArtWanted
- Etsy
Valerie Alduen ~ Cocoa’s Bits & Pieces PO Box 59367 ~ Chicago, IL 60659 cocoas_bits_and_pieces@hotmail.com www.cocoasmosaicdesigns.com 773-704-3737 |