This month’s story comes from Jim Cane, a tiler by trade who moved to Lanzarote seven years ago after meeting his future girlfriend, Roni. Jim recently tried his hand at mosaic art with the left-over tiles from previous jobs.
How long have you lived in Lanzarote, Jim?
I visited Lanzarote for the first time seven years ago for a holiday. I had never planned on making a move to Lanzarote, it never even crossed my mind.
What made you make the move?
I decided to swap the rain for sunshine when I first met my girlfriend, Roni. As soon as I got to know her I knew there and then that this is where I wanted to live.
You recently started to make mosaics out of tiles. What made you try it out?
At first I started with wood carvings. I couldn’t afford to buy Roni a Valentine’s present one year, so I decided that I’d try to make something from scratch. It took some time, but I finished the plaque in time, and carved “I love you to the moon and back” on it.
I’m a tiler, so I often get left with the odds and ends from previous jobs. I’ve always wanted to give mosaics a try.
Was it a challenge at first?
At first I started with villa name plaques and door numbers, which were a challenge at first but are second nature to me now. I slowly progressed to making more intricate pieces.
And they became popular quite quickly!
Now my most requested plaques are football shields.
How much time does it take to complete a mosaic?
Depending on the detail, they can take from 2 hours to 2 or 3 days. I’ve made all sorts, from guitars, pet memorials and football shields to even a mosaic skip lorry.
Is this something you see yourself doing more of in the future?
I think so. Regardless of whether I get commissioned to make them for people or not, it’s something I enjoy doing as an art form. I find it therapeutic!
Best of luck with your mosaics in the future, Jim!
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