Frequently Asked Questions
How did you come up with the name of your business? Well, like most redheads – I LOVE the color green – so my company name is made up of two greens – olive and teal. I also love the ocean – and although I don’t have a stitch of Italian blood in me – I do love Italy and the FOOD!!!! So, teal reminds me of the ocean and the olives remind me of Italy!
What is the meaning behind your logo? My logo is a Tree of Life. Since I do quite a bit of tile work, I always envisioned having a Tree of Life kitchen backsplash. About 5 years ago, I tried hand building with red clay and made some Tree of Life tiles which I installed in my kitchen. I did some research on what a Tree of Life actually symbolizes – and it’s a fresh start on life, good health, positive energy and a bright future. Once I realized this – I decided to make it my company logo. The meaning really spoke to me!
When did you decide you wanted to start up your own art business? This has always been the dream I had for my second chapter – and I am very grateful to have this opportunity!
Will you be working with kids or adults? Both! I have worked with children for many years – teaching special art projects to kids (pre-school – middle school). I have been a volunteer with children since my early 20’s beginning at Boston Children’s Hospital – and as a certified dog therapy volunteer at various camps and organizations for children with various challenges. I have always been so inspired by these children. As a mom of two daughters, life got very hectic and it was a lot to juggle. I took several art classes over the years, and it was a wonderful way to de-stress and discover new artistic interests! I am excited to offer my art classes to adults too – I really feel we could all use a little art right now! In 2023, I became certified for Youth Mental Health First Aid, from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. In April of 2023, I completed the American Heart Association Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Program.
What’s the story with your dog mosaics? Well, for starters, I am a HUGE dog lover! Their eyes speak to me – so when I do my mosaics, I spend a lot of time on their eyes. Although dogs can’t talk – their eyes do! My stained-glass dog mosaics have about 30 pieces of glass per eye! If I did big chunks of glass – I think I’d lose the emotion. I love the quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “He speaketh not; and yet there lies a conversation in his eyes”. I added this quote to a silhouette painting I did of our Yellow Lab, Waffle!
Are you trained in art? My background is actually in science, but I have taken numerous art classes over the years and have been creating various forms of art since I was a child. In 2020, I completed a program through the University of New Hampshire called Starting Your Own Arts and Crafts Business.