Oregon Art Beat

Pebble Mosaic Artist Jeffrey Bale

By Eric Slade (OPB)
Feb. 11, 2016 8:13 p.m.
Producer: Eric Slade   Videographers: Greg Bond, Eric Slade   Editor: Tom Shrider   Audio: Randy Layton
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Jeffrey Bale received his degree in landscape architecture from the University of Oregon back in 1981. He quickly landed a job at a Portland architecture firm – but he only lasted 20 minutes behind a desk.

Instead, he began traveling the world, finding inspiration in the stunning architecture of Europe and SE Asia. He returned home and began creating elaborate and intricate pebble mosaics from stone he gathers in the wild.

Bale's Persian Rug design in a tiny Northwest Portland garden.

Bale's Persian Rug design in a tiny Northwest Portland garden.

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Today his work is world renowned – he's been featured in dozens of publications including the New York Times, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens.

Bale gathers rocks in the Puget Sound region

Bale gathers rocks in the Puget Sound region

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"I want to create something that is beautiful, profound and inspiring, " says Bale, "that links you to nature, that takes you back to it."

Bale building a round medallion mosaic.

Bale building a round medallion mosaic.

"I think that, if you're gonna build a garden that it's worth aspiring to a really high level, " shares Bale,  Take it as far up as you can."

Bale's Buddha Wall created from a collection of architectural pieces from India.

Bale's Buddha Wall created from a collection of architectural pieces from India.

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