Ryan Kelson: graphic designer, artist, writer & editor.

I love working with people and businesses that promote health and wellness, arts, and environmentalism… generally I help good karma people and businesses who have something positive to contribute to the world.

I’ve been working in Graphic Design for 7 years and bring my love of design, color and placement to the hands-on creation of mosaic art.

A little about my background: I haven’t always been a graphic designer, it just naturally happened. Growing up in a rural place, I’ve always loved nature and had a desire to learn more about wellness, health and healing. However, like most teenagers I wanted to live in the big city, so I moved to Toronto, and glad I did. I took theatre at George Brown College and met fantastic people, a few I am still great friends with today. In 2000 I moved to Ottawa to stay with a friend who I originally met in Toronto. I got my own place and started exploring my options of a career direction.

In 2002 I enrolled in an alternative health program at Algonquin College. Four semesters later I graduated with with Honors from Aromatology. During that program I was introduced to Reflexology and Massage Therapy. The next Autumn in 2003 I enrolled into the three year Massage Therapy program at Algonquin College. Three years later, in 2006, after a lot of grueling study of anatomy and physiology, and of course lots of great massages, I officially graduated with Honors and became a Registered Massage Therapist with The College of Massage Therapy of Ontario (CMTO).

During those years, shortly after graduating from Aromatology, and while I studied Massage Therapy, I embarked in starting my own online business, mainly catered towards the many options working with herbs and essential oils offered. Since I love nature and was fascinated with botanical extracts and their healing properties it was a great fit and coincided well with my goal of becoming a Massage Therapist. It was great while it lasted, but ultimately, I simply couldn’t compete with huge online retailers. However, all that work trying to create a successful online retail business and the learning that came with it was the catalyst for my love of graphic design. I’ve also taken courses at Algonquin College in Graphic Design to continuously improve my skill set with a focus on the Adobe Creative Suite.

My graphic design work has blossomed from the web to print, working for various fantastic clients designing newsletters, web banners, websites, logo’s books, posters and the like. Graphic design, and working closely with editors, has also brought me in the direction of editing a nationally syndicated column and a book for Nadiya Shah. I’ve worked on various projects designing and maintaining Nadiya’s website and editing her column for over 4 years years. Nadiya is the perfect example of the type of person I love to work with and for. Through our relationship she has been pivotal in my growing understanding and love of Astrology. Editing is a direction I continue to grow in, utilizing my love of  the art of language. Working with words is a blend of keen discernment, placement, adjustment, transformation and creativity, all skills I foster and enjoy developing continually.

I’ve taken my love of placement and design from the virtual screen and into the material world by creating mosaic art. It is certainly time consuming and kills my back, for which I do need the occasional massage, of course. My attention to detail and layout experience in graphic design naturally blends into designing the drafts and design layout required in mosaics. I also love to paint with acrylics, mostly abstract conceptual work. Art is forever a process of learning about oneself and the world. I’d say, art is highly philosophical and can lead to profound realizations, which is just one of the many reasons why I love it.

From here, I know exactly where I want to go in terms of art exploration… sculpture. I can’t say enough how sculpture excites me. Knowing how to work well with my hands (massage therapy), and my love of ancient statues, I am elated to move in the direction of creating exceptional pieces.

Overall my business is guided by being able to give people a great experience so they can share what they love with the world. If I can be a small part of helping people build their dream, I know my work is worthwhile and appreciated. I love being able to work with fantastic people. It makes all the effort worth it.

Check out Ashima Suri‘s inspiring video. I recently finished developing her site for her launch.

Jon Ouellette

Photographer, Mosaic Artist, Full Time Accountant

I’m a nature photographer with a love of visual arts. Color schemes, textures and patterns I explore in photography inspire me when designing a mosaic piece. I enjoy cutting and grinding glass shapes during the production process and finalizing the mosaic. The photographs on Luxemera are part of my personal collection.

We look forward to bringing our passion and skills to creating a unique piece of art for you.

Watch an Interview on Jung and Astrology featuring one of our pieces.