Good art is unique, individual. Those who love and understand cats often describe cats as unique and individuals. It’s not surprising, then, that artist Michelle Mathias, who creates intricate mosaic art pieces, finds herself captivated by feline elegance.

“I could look at cats forever,” Mathias says. “They are so fascinating!” That appeal comes out in her work. Mathias creates the bodies of her cat sculptures out of paperclay, a strong clay that’s 40 percent paper. After she fires the forms in a kiln, she painstakingly cuts sheet glass into small tiles called tesserae, which serve as the cat’s “fur.” Once she places each tile, Mathias grouts the sculpture. The results are beautiful and powerful, capturing the essence of the cat.

**For the full article, pick up the February 2007 issue of
CAT FANCY.**

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