Have you noticed the many colorful mosaics as you walk around Capitola Village? A house number sign here, there a mailbox, the risers of some front steps, perhaps a birdbath, a stepping stone or two. These are a type of mosaic called Pique assiette that incorporates pieces of broken ceramics – plates, dishes, cups, tiles – and other found objects into the design.
Pique assiette was introduced to Capitola by Gayle Ortiz. If you’ve been to Gayle’s Rosticceria you’ve probably eaten at one of the Pique assiette tables made by Gayle and her business partner, Louisa Beers. In the late 1980’s, Gayle discovered this form of art at a yard sale at the Casa Blanca apartments on Depot Hill. Virgil Comstock’s wife was selling a Pique assiette umbrella stand. (Virgil Comstock was a street sweeper for the city of Capitola.) It was made from shards of old plates and cups and even doll heads, and was an American version of Pique assiette called memory pieces because they incorporated plates and ceramic pieces that were reminiscent of a person. His wife’s mother had made it. Gayle took one look at it and was hooked. She had to have it (see photo at right) and she wanted to create her own pieces. Gayle already had a large collection of old plates which she loved. She started teaching classes in the technique she developed to make the Pique assiette pieces, sharing the art with others.
Pique assiette had caught on in Capitola. Quite a few members of the Capitola Village Residents’ Association have made objects using this method. Each person has experimented and developed techniques by trial and error. It’s fun to work on projects in small groups, sharing ideas.
Lyn Peare Sandberg,of Riverview Avenue, a quilter, (a natural for mosaics) was maybe the next person in Capitola to produce Pique assiette pieces. Her Pique assiette crosses and hearts adorn her house and are available for purchase. You can see photos of her pieces and contact her on her Facebook page.
Margaret Kinstler, a CVRA founding member and neighbor on Riverview Avenue has decorated her houses with Pique assiette.
