"Remember" Kristy Klaiber

"Remember" Kristy Klaiber. Mixed media mosaic on wood block.  19" x 28".

This piece came about after having read several articles on the poaching of elephants for their tusks. So, I guess it's a reminder to remember the elephants before they are all gone. The bright colors and mirror reminded me of India, where you often see the elephants decorated with brightly colored cloth and jewelry. The found objects in my pieces are usually for design and because I love to give old, thrown away objects new life.

I have always been interested in art and was greatly influenced by an artist who lived in my neighborhood growing up, Clotilde Funk. She was an illustrator and that got me interested in drawing, usually pen and ink. I studied art in college but switched majors to clinical social work and then went into teaching.

After I retired from teaching, I was asked to return as the art teacher and I did, for three years. I worked with clay for a few years, but when we moved to New Mexico and built our Earthship home, which is solar powered, I found I couldn't use my kiln anymore. In building our house I became interested in using the scrap materials in art. In the last few years I've combined mixed media with mosaics and who knows where that will take me.  I love color, design and whimsey and the freedom that comes with mixed media. I've been in shows in Taos, Santa Fe and Las Vegas, NM. I also can be found at El Zocalo Gallery on the Plaza in Las Vegas NM.