Step inside the creative world of Danielle Casali, a stained-glass mosaic artist who turns broken pieces into something beautiful and full of meaning. She talks about the journey—the commitment it takes, the tools of the trade, and the challenges along the way. Danielle also shares how her projects influence her creative process, the mentors who guide her, and the artists who inspire her. This episode celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the beauty that comes from following your passion.
Step inside the creative world of Danielle Casali, a stained-glass mosaic artist who turns broken pieces into something beautiful and full of meaning. She talks about the journey—the commitment it takes, the tools of the trade, and the challenges along the way. Danielle also shares how her projects influence her creative process, the mentors who guide her, and the artists who inspire her. This episode celebrates creativity, perseverance, and the beauty that comes from following your passion.
Learn about:
• Stained glass mosaics vs. traditional stained glass
• How community art projects come to life
• Tools, materials, and outdoor mosaic techniques—navigating weather and structural challenges
• Danielle’s undergrad & graduate art journey: collaborative mosaics & sculpture
• Project management: planning, time allocation, and volunteer coordination
• Creative decisions: selecting materials and balancing mosaic with paint
• Taking risks and embracing a creative path
• Mentorship and collaboration
Danielle Casali:
Artists and Community Links:
John Pitman Weber: https://www.jpweber.art/
Niki de Saint Phalle:https://www.instagram.com/niki_de_saint_phalle/
Sam DiCarlo: https://www.instagram.com/sgdecarlo/
Chicago Public Art Group: https://chicagopublicartgroup.org/
Episode Summary Transcript – Life 100 Podcast
Guest: Danielle Casali, Stained Glass Mosaic Artist
In this episode, Rosie speaks with Danielle Casali, a stained glass mosaic artist who transforms broken pieces of glass into beautiful and meaningful works of art. Danielle shares how her creative path started in the Midwest, growing up with parents who encouraged art, imagination, and hands-on projects.
She talks about discovering her artistic skills in high school and later studying art in college, where she was introduced to large-scale collaborative mosaic projects. Through these early experiences, she learned that art could be more than personal expression—it could be a way to bring communities together.
Danielle explains how stained glass mosaics differ from traditional stained glass. Instead of soldering, her work involves hand-cut glass, adhesive, and grout, similar to tile work. She walks through the tools she uses, including glass nippers, sanding tools, and specialized saws, and shares why outdoor art requires careful planning and durable materials.
The conversation also explores Danielle’s community-based approach, a process creates a sense of ownership and pride in the final piece.
Danielle opens up about the world behind the art, including motherhood, finances, project planning, and time management. She talks about mentors, support systems, and the importance of financial awareness when building a creative career.
The episode closes with a message of encouragement. Danielle reminds listeners that creativity belongs to everyone and that making time to explore creative ideas—through art, music, or other outlets—can bring joy, healing, and connection.