Shattered Reflections Turned into Profound Beauty

As an abstract mixed-media artist, I often find inspiration in unexpected places. During a moment of frustration and anger, I wondered what would happen if I broke a mirror. So I did, and it was beautiful. While some might see this as a harbinger of bad luck, I saw it as an opportunity for transformation and creative expression. This incident sparked the creation of my series of collages on cracked mirror surfaces, which I call my broken mirror art.

By combining acrylic, tissue paper, repurposed artwork, painted paper, and gold leaf on the fractured mirror surfaces, I create depth and contrast that invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

These transformative collages on broken mirrors hold a deeper meaning for me, as they represent a pivotal moment in my life as a mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing remote schooling, caregiving, and my career ambitions left me feeling fragmented and depleted. The splintered mirror surfaces symbolize the internal struggle many women face when seeking harmony between personal goals and the responsibilities of caring for others.

The fractured panes also serve as a testament to the loss of self that often accompanies the transition into motherhood. The collaged landscapes floating above the mirror cracks hint at the dreams and aspirations that may feel just out of reach during this challenging time.

However, these sharp compositions also demonstrate the transformative power of adversity. By channeling my frustration and anger into my artwork, I discovered that even the most difficult experiences could spark meaningful invention and profound beauty. This emotional catalyst artwork allows me to process and express my feelings in a unique and powerful way.

Many people ask me about the superstition surrounding broken mirrors and the associated bad luck. While I don't subscribe to these beliefs, I find it fascinating to explore the origins of such superstitions. In a lighthearted calculation, I determined that my booth at a recent exhibition had racked up a total of 105 hours of bad luck based on the number of broken mirrors and glass pieces displayed. But I don't see it as bad luck at all. Instead, it's a catalyst for creating something truly remarkable.

My broken mirror art symbolizes the power of repair and transformation. Each shattered piece serves as a reminder that life's challenges and fractures can be the very things that inspire us to craft something breathtaking. Just like the broken mirrors in my artwork, we all have pieces that need mending, but it's through this process that we can create something uniquely beautiful.

Feeling inspired or intrigued by the ideas and artwork shared in this blog post? If you'd like to show your appreciation and support my ongoing creative endeavors, I invite you to buy me a coffee!

Your generosity, no matter the size, helps me continue dedicating time to research, experimentation, and crafting unique artworks that resonate with you.