Story Pillars

The first Story Pillar came about organically when my art collaborator and friend, Jose Reyes, mosaicked, for the fun of it, a wooden African serving spoon he found in my studio.  He came over a few days later with the form for a pillar that was 4½ feet tall and 6 inches around. We started with the spoon and then mosaicked all four sides of the structure called “The Savannah.”  I loved the shape and have been using it, in various sizes, ever since to create everything from memorial and celebratory/tribute pieces, to those inspired by travel and geographies, animals, flowers, seasons, birds, landscapes, etc...  Each has its own story to tell. I think of them as mosaic poems or odes.

The one with the fish on top is connected to Asia. The side shown here represents India and the koi on top is tied to Japan.
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Brownie Allen (Pasadena, CA)

“The story pillar I commissioned is a thing of beauty. Vicky was so helpful and wonderful to work with. Truly people just love it. It’s a wonderful addition to my front porch. When I realized it could be a special opportunity to have a celebration of Bob and Nathaniel’s lives, we invited a number of people to come up and unveil it. It became a wonderful occasion for people to come together and to remember both my son and my husband.”

Linda Barker (Chico, CA)

“When I went to Vicky’s fabulous studio the first time, I fell in love with the Mediterranean Story Pillar she was working on. Spain, Greece, Italy and France are all represented in such a colorful, creative way. This is truly a unique piece of art. As a longtime art collector, I’ve never seen anything like it. I have it in my entrance way and everyone who comes over loves it. Vicky is great to work with and I might have her customize a piece in the future.”

Story Pillar Process

  • I meet with you to learn about and understand the story you want to tell – whether for a loved one who has passed or a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary

  • We meet at your space so that I can get a sense of your style and aesthetic

  • I take interior and exterior photos that can inform the mood and the approach to the work

  • We talk about possible installation locations – a garden, a front porch, an entryway, or an internal space.  The location may change, but we explore potential options at this stage

  • We discuss the ideal size. Having a sense of the space can inform the size, such as a 3-foot or 6-foot pillar. The base and size of the form will vary to ensure maximum stability

  • We discuss ideal timing - do you need a piece in time for a memorial service or celebration?