My first mosaic was made during an artist residency at Recology's Transfer Station (ie, the dump). This innovative program promotes the use of recycled materials in the arts by providing selected artists with a studio space, tools, technical assistance, a stipend, and a free hand with the incredible wealth of discards to be found at the Station. I chose tile, broken bottle and window glass, sheet metal and a refrigerator fan to ornament the sculpture.  The proportions of the double arch represent my own height, and the height of my (at the time) six-year-old son.