While the idea of walking the beach and handpicking each shell is undeniably romantic, the reality of my work requires sourcing materials with intention and responsibility. Every shell I use comes from trusted suppliers who work with local fishing communities in regions where these materials are naturally abundant. In the Philippines, for example, coastal communities collect shells as a by-product of the seafood industry—selling them provides an important source of income while ensuring nothing goes to waste. I also source shells from the commercial food industry, where they would otherwise be discarded.
My boards and frames come from small businesses that share my values, ensuring each piece is not only beautifully constructed but made to last—an heirloom-quality work meant to be cherished for generations.
Art is a collaboration—not just between the artist and the materials, but also between the hands that bring it to life. Each Shellscape® is a reflection of that collective effort, shaped by the natural world and the people who respect it.
Materials & Sourcing: Honoring Craft and Sustainability
Artist Statement
My approach to each work is rooted in my interest in the space between fine arts, design, and craftsmanship. I create within this fascinating intersection using my hands, head, and heart.
I am deeply committed to the handmade aspects of my work, and my vision is to create contemporary sculptural art through the combination of organic mediums that connect the viewer to the natural world by exploring geometric shapes, repetitive patterns, and abstract imagery.
Katarina Tifft
Meet the Artist
I’m a self-taught artist based in Gainesville, Florida, originally from Slovakia (formerly Czechoslovakia). A free spirit at heart, I embrace life, laughter, and the adventure of the unknown. Leaving my home country at a young age and experiencing the world shaped me in ways I never could have imagined. Life eventually brought me to Florida.
Creativity has always been part of who I am, but my artistic journey began in 2020 during an unexpected pause in life. What started as a personal experiment with shells quickly became a deep creative calling. The slow, deliberate process of arranging each shell, finding rhythm in repetition, and allowing a composition to take shape became a form of meditation—one that continues to drive my work today. This intentional approach is at the heart of every piece I create.
Over the past few years, my work has gained recognition through social media, leading to commissions from private collectors, interior designers, and art consultancies. Today, I create bespoke sculptural works for both residential and public spaces across Florida, the U.S., and internationally—each piece thoughtfully designed to connect people, places, and nature.
The Process
I approach the creative process with a sense of exploration, allowing myself to follow new ideas wherever they lead. The endless possibilities of shaping patterns and textures excite me, though sometimes the creative process feels like a puzzle I can't walk away from—equal parts thrilling and perplexing.
Every piece begins with a vision—an idea that takes shape through careful composition and refinement. I work intuitively, letting the materials guide me as I arrange and adjust. The process is slow, deliberate, and deeply immersive.
I start by selecting shells, each with its own natural variation and history. Laying them out, I test patterns, shifting elements until the composition feels right. There’s no rushing this stage—it’s about observing, adjusting, and allowing the design to unfold. Once everything aligns, the shells are secured with precision, creating a piece that feels effortless yet intentional.
The artistic process is deeply fulfilling. It keeps me curious, engaged, and always evolving as an artist.
Inspiration
My creativity is sparked by the details often overlooked— geometric forms, the soft symmetry of organic shapes, and the natural patterns visible in everyday life. Coastal living and interior design also influence my work, shaping how I integrate balance and movement into each piece.
I find endless inspiration in nature and the harmony it brings to designed spaces.
