Thursday, August 23, 2012

Mosaics and Beaded Functional Art by Linda Fenster

Linda Fenster is the one and only mosaic artist at Ten Women Montana.  Her fantastic work is attractive, talked about, collected and desired by many who want unique and high quality art in and around their home.  It's clearly functional art that has a purpose, not to mention it's uniqueness and high quality construction. Those of her pieces that are displayed outside bring that special touch of creativeness to the owners property which let guests know that they take pride in their home.

Linda was born in Cape Town, South Africa, a vibrantly colorful place which could explain some of her playful personality.  Linda has been doing art since a very young age.  She mostly dabbled in painting and drawing but since arriving in California in 1977, she ventured into hand painted furniture, murals, creating art with school kids and working with abused kids.  She believes that art heals and is drawn to working with the children.

Ever since Linda encountered Gaudi's mosaics in Barcelona, she was driven to teach herself mosaics to include in her reportoire of skills.  Some of her most collectable pieces are her beaded functional phones, mirrors, frames and tables all collaged with beads, found objects and charms.

Linda's father was a manufacturing jeweler and diamond merchant originally from Berlin, Germany.  He was her biggest influence, admiring his eye for color, design and detail.

Linda's work has been in several galleries and has been bought by collectors and notable celebrities such as Diana Ross, Forrest Whitaker, Stacey Keach, Michael Richards, Lou Adler, Roseanne Barr, to name just a few.

Linda thinks of herself as a tinkerer, a collector, a devotee of the bead and plate smasher.  She loves to create art for all to enjoy.

A large, colorful mosaic vase to use indoors or out.

A mosaic wooden box to keep a multitude of treasures

One of my favorites, as I collect birds and would love to have this anywhere in my home

Duck, duck, whose got the duck!

A lovely hand painted heart plaque, mosaic mirror (that's me foolishly trying to take the photo)  and painted heart box....

Linda's famous beaded collaged functional phones.  What fun!

Linda's ever famous beaded Peace Signs for those Flower Power children from the 60-70's and peace loving folk nowadays


Linda's new creations attract a distinctive new audience.  I just love the romantic wall hanging mosaic delight where a small plant,  or, use your imagination, can be displayed in a halfed tea cup.  How unique!  I love it!

Don't underestimate the power of the animal...  Her mosaic dogs (top shelf) is sort after by so many.  It's hard to keep them stocked.  If interested, just ask if one is not available in her space.  Orders can be taken...  

 Linda is truly an amazing artist and person.  She always brings humor, realness, and joy to everything she does and we are blessed to have her happy person as part of the Ten Women team of artists.