Dessa Bluu
Dessa Bluu is a mosaic artist whose work prominently features stained glass, recognised for its reflective qualities and playful interaction with light. Her artistic journey began with a broad interest across various art forms, including oil painting, but she found her true passion in mosaics. Bluu appreciates how the interplay of light through stained glass adds a unique, ever-changing dimension to her pieces, capturing moments of magic as daylight shifts.
Dessa finds creativity to be an essential, emotional anchor in her life. It provides her with a focus and a way to connect with the world on a deeper level, offering solace and a means to express positivity amidst global difficulties. Her creative practice is deeply personal, using the medium of mosaic to construct intricate narratives from smaller pieces, mirroring her own life’s journey. This process allows her to explore and express her experiences and emotions in a tangible form.
“When I’m actually involved in creating a portrait, nothing else matters… It hones me to focus on something that I need to complete and show the world.”
Dessa’s significant achievements include winning the Franklin’s Art Award in 2017, a recognition that affirmed her artistic vision and cultural connection. And after an initial hesitation with art collectives earlier in her career, Dessa has now grown to appreciate and value these spaces, finding a sense of belonging and acceptance.
Based in Tairua, this mosaic artist is known for her stained glass works that play with light to create ever-changing, magical reflections. Creativity serves as an emotional anchor, providing focus, solace, and a way to connect with the world through intricate, personal narratives.