Dionne Ible of Quemamu Mosaics In Conversation with Black Women in the Arts
Dionne Ible of Quemamu Mosiacs
In Conversation with Black Women in the Arts
Why the name Qemamu Mosaics?
I choose an African inspired name and something from my roots. I am African and of Caribbean roots born in the UK. In my book library I use to have an Ancient Egyptian naming book, I named my children using this book.
In the book I came across the name ‘Qemamu’ I thought it was a catching and unique name. I thought it was a catching and unique name. I wanted it to grab people’s attention,for the name to stick in people’s mind. Plus the bonus of introducing people to a new language.
You began your journey in 2002 – How many Mosaics have you created?
I roughly have between 60 and 70 individual pieces recorded on my computer, ready to be catalogued.
How many have you sold?
I have sold a few of them and have kept photos of most of them.
Has it been beneficial for you as member of the British Association of Modern Mosaic?
Yes it has. The organisation started in 1999. there are a lot of professional artistes in the group and I wanted the opportunity to learn from those well known artistes. It provides a great arena for business opportunities, networking, promoting exhibitions and finding out new and exciting things in the world of mosaic.
What aspects of African culture do you draw your inspiration from?
I like the colours and the uniqueness of the people, the mixtures of our skin tones, colours of nature around us I love all that. Plus, not forgetting our rich history.
Have you met other Black women working with Mosaics like you??
Yes, I have had the opportunity to meet other Black women through my involvement with the British Association of Modern Mosaic, at craft events and at workshops I have facilitated.
What advice would you give to other women who may want to consider Mosaics as a career or creative outlet??
I would encourage them to do it, attend mosaics artiste’s workshops, learn from them, and be free to explore their interest. Choose the mosaic artistes you want to learn from, as each mosaic artistes crafts their work differently. To follow their desires to create.
Take your time to discover the mosaics artistes’ styles you love, and you may want to emulate them. In your exploration and discovery you will find your own unique style will start to come through.
Read books on mosaics, study the art-form and visit places where mosaics are displayed.
What do you want to achieve professionally?
My desire is to have a mosaics studio, become known within the mosaics industry and create mosaics for celebrities. I would love to create a mosaic for Tyra Banks, maybe mosaics on one of her fashion sets. Or for India Irie create a mosaic for her. I love the work of Oswald Boateng, the fashion designer, because I like the way he put his accessories and mixtures of clothes together.
I want to work in Africa with children, teaching Mosaics to as many children as possible.
Where can we find out more about your work?
By visiting my website www.qemamumosaics.com
