The other day, a good friend asked me, “What do you actually do?”
After explaining it, I realized that even some of the people closest to me might not know exactly what I do.
I design and create custom mosaics—everything from stunning kitchen backsplashes to unique fine art pieces. One of my favorite offerings is the Mosaic Evolution Tile Collection: a series of hand-painted or glazed tiles that add vibrant color, texture, and artistry to any space.
For over 20 years, I’ve worked with interior designers, architects, and homeowners to bring their visions to life. My process is super collaborative because I believe every piece should reflect you. Whether it’s a bold backsplash, a fine art mosaic, or individual tiles from my collection, I’m all about creating designs that are timeless, meaningful, and unique.
Oh, and a fun fact: I’m also a Certified Color Expert, so I can help you choose the perfect colors for your home or business, too!
If you’ve ever thought about transforming your space with custom mosaics or beautiful handmade tiles, let’s chat!
ABOUT
The Artists
Ariel & Brian Shoemaker
Ariel and Brian Shoemaker have been designing custom mosaics for homeowners seeking that special something since 2002. Nationally recognized for their signature Gradient and Undulation styles, AFS Mosaics can be found in 15 states and 2 continents. The artists at AFS Mosaics collaborate with interior designers, architects, builders, as well as home-owners to deliver original ideas in home design.
Breaking glass since 2002
Ariel Finelt Shoemaker is a Needham, MA-based visual artist and Certified Color Expert whose work celebrates the interplay of memory, texture, and color. With a Master’s in Education, specializing in Arts in Education, from Harvard University (2004) and a BFA from Emerson College (2000), Ariel blends her academic foundation in the arts with a profound personal connection to storytelling through visual expression.
The M.E.T Collection
Her signature Mosaic Evolution tiles embody the beauty of transformation, layering vibrant patterns and colors to evoke depth and movement. Inspired by childhood memories, such as playing in apple orchards, Ariel’s work invites viewers to explore nostalgia and the passage of time through dynamic compositions.
Artistic process
As the owner of AFS mosaics, my work is deeply inspired by the subtle and often overlooked patterns found in nature. I find beauty in the way nature weaves chaos and order together, especially in the delicate intricacies of a leaf or the shifting movement of light and shadow. These fleeting moments reveal the essence of life itself, where every detail - no matter how small - interlocks with the whole in ways both harmonious and unpredictable. In my art, I seek to capture these patterns, creating pieces that invite the viewer to look closely, to pause, and to experience a new understanding of the natural world. Each tile, each piece of glass, is carefully placed, yet together they evoke a sense of natural fluidity, a connection to the earth's dynamic beauty. My art is a reflection of the quiet elegance of nature's design, celebrating both the chaotic and the orderly forces that shape our world.
A family affair
This makes every custom installation truly unparalleled in quality and artistry. Ariel and Brian have three children who have "grown up around glass." The design studio sits right in the heart of their family home, signifying the love and care that inspires the work.
Yofi Color Consulting
In addition to her artistic practice, Ariel applies her expertise in color and design through her company, Yofi Color Consulting, helping clients curate harmonious palettes for their homes. Whether through art or consulting, Ariel’s creative vision is rooted in a desire to enhance environments and lives with thoughtful, vibrant design.
