Tropical Gems: Tree of Stars
2025
6″ x 6″
stained glass, amber, turquoise, Apoxie Sculpt, smalti, metal wire, glass nuggets, Van Gogh Glass
$389
Jose Acevedo is a Puerto Rican mosaic artist whose creative journey began at the Atelier del Mosaico de Puerto Rico. Through his time at this school, Jose experienced a transformative evolution in his artistic practice, mastering the intricate and expressive language of mosaic art. The process of working with mosaics has nourished him in profound ways—not just creatively, but also physically and emotionally.
Living with Parkinson’s Disease has presented Jose with daily challenges, especially when it comes to motor control and movement. Yet, mosaic art became a healing force in his life. The rhythm of placing each piece brought him moments of peace and joy, allowing him to
connect with his body and spirit in a deeply restorative way. In one of his most personal pieces, Jose created a vibrant mosaic of a star fruit (carambola) using a range of expressive materials such as stained glass, amber, turquoise, Apoxie Sculpt, Mexican smalti, metal wire, glass nuggets, and Van Gogh glass. The work is inspired by a beloved star fruit tree that once stood in his aunt’s patio before it was cut down. Jose’s mosaic honors that tree’s memory and celebrates the unique beauty and flavor of its fruit, which he loves. Through this colorful, playful piece, he expresses his hope that more fruit trees like it will be valued and preserved for future generations.
Jose Acevedo