In Happiness Is, MaryLou Hurley approaches mosaic as an act of joyful discovery: an intuitive process where material, colour, and form come together to express a deeply personal and evolving definition of happiness. Her works move between representation and abstraction, from forested landscapes to sculptural figures, each composed through fragments that echo the layered nature of lived experience. Glass, ceramics, and found objects are assembled not only for their visual qualities, but for their histories: imbuing each piece with memory, playfulness, and a sense of transformation.
Working across unconventional surfaces, from mannequins to instruments and architectural forms, Hurley expands the language of mosaic beyond tradition. Her practice embraces experimentation and spontaneity, allowing each work to emerge through a dialogue between material and imagination. The resulting compositions are vibrant, tactile, and immersive, inviting viewers to consider how beauty can be constructed from the unexpected, and how creative expression can serve as a conduit for joy.
“As a result you will find that my mosaic creations are a colourful and original collection of what happiness is to me,” says MaryLou Hurley. “I love to experiment! After all, happiness can be infectious!”
ABOUT MaryLou Hurley
MaryLou Hurley is a Canadian mosaic artist whose practice spans more than 25 years, encompassing both studio work and teaching. Known for her inventive use of materials, her work reflects a distinctive perspective shaped by curiosity, experimentation, and an openness to new experiences.In 2025, she was elected to the Society of Canadian Artists and received the Creative Innovation Award for her work Miss Delphine at the SCA Open International Online Exhibition.
