In the midst of shaping the yellow stamen of a delicate flower, Carmen paused in her work on a vibrant mosaic shoe, a piece alive with three-dimensional floral details that capture her spirit of care, creativity, and growth. Carmen's story is interwoven with her decades spent living in the Pico-Union community in Los Angeles, where she immersed herself in music classes, drug prevention initiatives, and supporting unhoused neighbors. Yet it wasn’t until her brother introduced her to Piece by Piece that art became an integral part of her journey.
Stepping into her first mosaic workshop, Carmen found more than a craft—she discovered a wellspring of resilience. Through mosaic art, she began to heal from wounds left by discrimination, building a renewed sense of security and self-worth with every piece she created. Her work is inspired by flowers, birds, landscapes, and portraits, including a recent self-portrait mosaic that stands as a testament to her growth. Buoyed by the encouragement of her fellow artists and the exceptional guidance of Piece by Piece instructors, Carmen was able to reach new personal and creative milestones.
Carmen is now a certified Piece by Piece artist, having completed rigorous training to earn her Level 1 certification. This achievement not only celebrates her talent but also unlocks real economic opportunity, she can now showcase and sell her art through the Piece by Piece website and at local pop-up events, helping her build greater financial stability and independence.
Carmen’s journey, from cutting her first piece of glass to certification, embodies the transformative power of art. At Piece by Piece, stories like hers illustrate how accessible creativity can instill hope, ignite change, and bring lasting enrichment to both individuals and communities.