Olivia Wells Rerick completed her certification as a Master Mosaicist at the Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli in Spilimbergo, Italy, in 2016. Since then, she has worked designing architectural mosaics, fabricating public art installations, and in various A&D sales, as well as making mosaic art pieces. Born in Brooklyn, and having grown up in Italy, she developed a deep appreciation for beautifully designed spaces, and the value of filling them with meaningful pieces.
Q
Describe your childhood bedroom
A.
I am one of six children, and I didn’t have my own room until I moved out (and had the very disorienting experience of trying to fall asleep without my sister snoring). My family also moved a lot, and as a kid I felt like it wasn’t worth trying to personalize a space that was temporary – which couldn’t be more opposite from how I feel now! – so my room was always largely undecorated, and I’m sure very messy.
Q
Favorite city to recharge?
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Middletown, PA, because my brother lives there with his family! I love getting to be an aunt.
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What’s your wake up and go to bed ritual?
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On most days, I am dragged out of sleep by my cat, Pandora, at around 6.30. She has various methods for accomplishing this: jumping on my stomach, biting an exposed limb, knocking objects off my nightstand. I resist as long as I can, getting increasingly grumpy, and then get up to feed her and make myself some coffee. I like to drink my coffee sitting in bed, and, once satiated, Pandora likes to join me and cuddle. It’s an important moment for us to put the past behind us and turn over a new leaf for the day. When it is time for bed, I don’t have much of a set ritual beyond leaving Pandora a nighttime snack in the futile hope that it will soften tomorrow’s wakeup call; I read, journal, draw, have blueberry tea, or some combination, depending on the day.
Q
What are some podcasts you listen to and why?
A.
I listen to audiobooks more than podcasts, but my favorite podcast is Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend. Why, you ask? Because it is hilarious! I love to laugh, and there is nothing I like more than listening to comedians banter while I wash the dishes.
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A book that everyone should read?
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My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett
Q
What might the design world look like in 15 years?
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I tend to be more interested in watching the shorter term trends. I think it is fascinating to observe how they start to show up in other areas like fashion, social media, film, etc, before they show up interior design. But overall, I think younger people are more and more interested in unique, often-imperfect decor with character and history; that’s part of why I was drawn to Newel. I’m seeing a lot more emphasis being put on personalization over following style rules, and I think that will continue. As the world becomes increasingly digital, there is a desire for things that ground us in the physical world, and I expect design to continue in that direction.
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Are you a dog or a cat person?
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I love both, and I reject the dichotomy. Pandora and I really want a dog.
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What do you consider to be your career highlight?
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So far, I think it’s creating a 6-foot mosaic of the Dallas County seal. I was hired by Julie Richey in Texas to create it, and spent a month and half working on it. It is now hanging in the lobby of the Dallas County Records Building. It is so cool to see my work affect a space, whether it’s through directly fabricating something or helping source items for a designer or homeowner.
Q
You are stuck on an island, you can pick one food to eat forever, what would it be?
A.
My college comfort meal: penne pasta with tomato sauce and cold mozzarella on top.
Q
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A.
Actress, nurse, surgeon, interpreter, singer, artist, tiger keeper … it was a long list.
