about xinamarie mosaic shop   About Xinamarie Mosaici Xinamarie Mosaici was formed in 2000 to fill gaps in the mosaic tile market and to fill homes with beauty and art. Christina Ayer, mosaic artist, discovered early on that the supply choices for a small operation mosaicist were often limited to 'pay extortionately high prices for retail/hobby shop tile' OR 'buy extortionately high quantities direct from manufacturers for reasonable prices'. I opted for the second choice, and decided to sell the excess quantity at a very minimal mark-up in order to offer a third, better, choice to other hobbyists, artists, and small workshops -- now with Xinamarie.com you can choose 'small quantities AND reasonable prices'. As an artist, I recognise the difference that high quality tile can make to an end piece, and as such, I insist on only the highest quality tile for my own work as well as for my whole stock of tiles. Xinamarie Mosaici Business Activities: Creation of Mosaic Art: This involves the fulfillment of commissioned art work, home installations (pools, bathrooms, pavements, etc), as well as the creation of original 'objets d'art' available for sale. Christina is becoming known and respected as a mosaic artist in the local art scene, and regularly exhibits at local art shows. Sale of specialist mosaic tile to other artists and artisans: As described above, this involves using my Northern italy location to source the highest quality italian mosaic materials direct from the manufacturers, and sell on at the lowest prices possible to other artists and small ateliers. Import and distribution of mosaic tiles for large installation and architectural use This side of the business is dedicated to bringing the best Italian brands at excellent prices to architectural and installation projects around the world. We are authorised dealers for Sicis, Bisazza, Trend, Megaron, Dolomya, Postumia, and many other premier italian mosaic manufacturers Please see our site dedicated to the provision of tiles in quantity for architectural and installation use: www.tuttomosaico.com About Christina Ayer, the artist: Christina has been working as an artist on and off since 1992. Although her art is now dedicated almost entirely to mosaic, She began with painting, primarily in oils. In both paint and mosaic, Christina is a 'colourist', fascinated with how colours work together to create harmonies and evoke emotions. Mosaic, for Christina, is the most interesting form of art because it can be produced on so many levels, each level with its own particular merits and specific language. Mosaic can be decorative - simple additions to practical objects that bring light and beauty into our everyday lives, bringing a smile or happy thought as we go about our day. And mosaic can be fine art, stunning and astonishing the viewer into new levels of understanding and conciousness, challenging our standards of perception. Mosaic is also fascinating because, at its most basic level, it is very accessible, an 'art form for the people'. An absolute beginner's first mosaic piece can be a very beautiful thing. Without years of study or even more years of practice, without any special kind of genius, 'normal' people can access this fabulous expressive medium and feel the thrill of creating something beautiful. Christina and Gabriele now live in Lake Garda, in Northern italy, with our two beautiful daughters. Member of SAMA, society of American mosaic artists Member of BAMM, British Association of Modern Mosaic If you would like more information please email me.