When Mosaic Art became a way to survive| Jacqueline Claudet-Mitterer

In this interview for the Arts to Hearts Project, we meet Jacqueline Claudet-Mitterer, a self-taught mosaic artist whose work speaks volumes about healing, hope, and the beauty of reinvention. Originally from Lima, Peru, Jacqueline opens up about how growing up during a time of violence shaped her emotional world—and how art became her way through it. She shares how colour became a symbol of joy and resilience, and how her unique approach to mosaics turns everyday materials into layered, three-dimensional stories.

Throughout our conversation, Jacqueline reminds us that creativity can be a powerful survival tool and that success in art often looks like connection, not recognition. Whether she’s working with sea glass, antique tiles, or found objects gifted by loved ones, her art carries a sense of gratitude, play, and presence.

This interview is inspired by the idea that following your intuition, embracing colour, and listening to your inner light can lead to unexpected healing for the artist and those who experience the work.

And guess what? Jacqueline is one of the featured artists in our magazine, Issue#9, alongside many talented artists worldwide. Want a sneak peek? Grab your copy now from our shop and enjoy the fantastic artwork created by this global Community.

https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Jacqueline Claudet-Mitterer (b. 1971 Lima-Peru) earned a BBA from the University of Lima and an MBA dual degree from PUC-Chile and UCLA. She immigrated to the United States in 2000, married and started a family. Jacqueline’s distinctive approach to mosaic art infuses traditional techniques with a painter’s sense of perspective, creating three-dimensional works that captivate viewers. Mitterer’s mosaics are intuitively crafted, combining various materials- sea glass, cut glass, ceramic tiles, natural stone and found objects- to construct layers of texture, depth and meaning. Her works transcend the flat, static composition often associated with mosaic art, inviting a more interactive engagement with the viewer. This innovative approach redefines the boundaries of mosaic art and establishes Mitterer as a pioneer in the medium.

1.  Your mosaics feel like paintings in motion—how did your intuitive process evolve into such a three-dimensional style?  

Thank you for that kind comment! My mosaic teacher, Mona Nuñez-Lafontaine, was the first to introduce me to this art form. She was incredibly generous and showed me how to create mosaics with an archival intent. After that, I did what I do: experiment freely with various tools and materials without expectations. The result is always a surprise, a new way to do something done so many times before. I love that feeling of bringing a new perspective to the conversation.

I chose color even when grey was all I could see for a while. For me, art is a survival skill.

2.     Growing up in Peru during violent times, how did those early experiences shape the emotional depth of your work?  

Despite my privileged upbringing in Lima, the exposure to such violence had a profound impact on me. I’ve had conversations with friends and family about this, and it’s evident that the emotional toll of the violent Shining Path of the 80s affected people in different ways. Perhaps due to my visual nature and love for colour, those grey years left me anxious and numb, which is the opposite of who I am at my core. I am an artist and a helper; colour and community centre me. My pieces reflect that.

3.    You describe colour as a source of hope—how do you choose your palette when starting a new piece?  

I create art with whatever colours I have readily available. If my stash is a lot of green, I’ll create a botanical piece. I will make a window if there are long, black pieces of glass on my studio table. I paint as I cook without a recipe.

4. Your materials range from sea glass to found objects—what draws you to a particular material or texture?  

Good question…I would say colour draws my attention, yet the final choice has everything to do with texture. My friends and family will bring me materials they find beautiful or interesting. I welcome this inadvertent collaboration. My favourites are antique objects, semi-precious stones, river pearls, etc. Anything with either a story or a beautiful colour, preferably blue.

Success isn’t about accolades or recognition; it’s about the profound connection that occurs when someone chooses to welcome my work into their home.

Jacqueline Claudet-Mitterer

5.   How has your journey as a self-taught artist influenced the way you define success or fulfilment in your art?    

My success comes not from the pieces I have created. It is the certainty of having found my true self in creating. Success isn’t about accolades or recognition; it’s about the profound connections that occur when someone welcomes my work into their home. I understand that success isn’t about accumulating material accomplishments but building meaningful connections with people.

6.  What do you hope viewers take away from your mosaics, especially those navigating their own healing journeys?    

I hope my art conveys a message of hope, resilience, and communion with the innumerable wonders of this short life. Sorrow or joy. Hope or despair. Love or fear. The emotions you feed are the ones which prevail. I chose colour even when grey was all I could see for a while. For me, art is a survival skill. It brings me back again and again to the present moment and allows me to process all kinds of emotions and move onward. Ultimately, my biggest wish is to evoke hope and joy over fear.

Jacqueline Claudet-Mitterer’s mosaic art celebrates healing, resilience, and transformation. Through her intuitive mosaics, she tells stories of overcoming darkness, finding light in unexpected places, and embracing joy through colour. Her journey from a childhood marked by political violence in Peru to a life of creativity and purpose in the U.S. reflects a deep inner strength and a commitment to growth.

We’ve learned from Jacqueline that art doesn’t just decorate—it heals. It brings people together, turns pain into beauty, and allows us to rediscover who we are. Her pieces remind us that even broken things—glass, stone, or hearts—can be combined into something more meaningful than before.

To learn more about Jacqueline, click the following links to visit her profile.

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