How a sea change sparked a mosaic revolution on the Eyre Peninsula
You might not hang ten on this surfboard, but Sue Jenkins’ mosaic masterpiece is making waves all of its own.
An exquisite collision of art and ocean, this stunning piece reflects the guidance of her mentor, Port Lincoln’s ‘Mosaic Queen’ Julie Aldridge of Joolz Mosaic Art & More.
From nurse to mosaic muse
Two decades ago, Julie traded her nursing scrubs for tile nippers, seeking solace in learning and creating mosaics to combat the high-pressure world of healthcare. “It started as stress relief,” she says. “And 20 years on, I’m still making a business from my hobby”.
Sue, a fellow nurse, followed suit three years ago, joining Julie’s classes and channeling her own flair into projects like the surfboard – a spin on Julie’s original wave design, which has already sailed into collections from Queensland to the U.S.
Tiling a community
After moving to Port Lincoln for a sea change, Julie reignited the workshops she previously held in Adelaide, offering weekly classes in her new home town and down the road at Tumby Bay. What began with friends asking for creative mosaic tips grew into a thriving business. “I love teaching,” Julie says. “And I especially enjoy seeing my students light up when their piece comes together – that’s the reward.”
Julie’s work extends beyond the studio: memorial mosaics, clay poppies for Remembrance Day, and school projects that leave a lasting mark. “I really love being part of a country community and being able to give back,” she adds.
Beyond Mosaics
While tiles are her mainstay, Julie also dabbles in pottery and fused glass, crafting suncatchers and garden stakes.
To find out more about Joolz Mosaic Art & More, click here.
