My name is Rebecca Sauer, and I live in San Diego with my husband and son. I began creating mosaics about 15 years ago, in Philadelphia. There, I was greatly inspired by the masterful and prolific artist, Isaiah Zagar. Starting with “pique assiette” (the use of broken dishware), I moved on to ceramic tile, and then, glass tesserae, with which I produced flower pots, tables, and cabinets. My relocation to San Diego brought with it an introduction to Mexican Talavera, a school of distinctive ceramics largely produced in Hidalgo, Mexico. With its bright vibrant colors, beautiful designs, and inherent whimsicality, Talavera has become my favorite medium. I use the “direct method” (applying each piece individually to the desired surface). I love watching my creation emerge, one puzzle piece at a time, and then, by setting it with grout, seeing it come to life.