Paul Lilley
Meet
Paul Lilley
Machias, Maine
An internationally inspired artist creating handcrafted mosaics that preserve memories, places, and stories.
Artistic Medium
MOSAIC
Member Since
2023
Accepts Commissions
Yes
About
Introducing
Paul Lilley
For more than twenty-five years, Paul Lilley has been creating handcrafted mosaics that transform thousands of individual pieces of ceramic and glass into expressive works of art.
Working in an ancient art form, Paul hand-cuts and places each tile to create detailed mosaics inspired by nature, architecture, landscapes, still life, classic artwork, and personalized pet portraits.
His artistic journey began in Suffolk, England and took a transformative turn while living in Cyprus, where the island’s history, light, and landscape introduced him to mosaic. Over fifteen years of international travel with his husband during his U.S. Foreign Service career exposed Paul to diverse cultures, artistic traditions, and creative influences that continue to shape his work today.
Now based in Machias, Maine, Paul draws inspiration from the beauty of Down East — creating mosaics that capture the character of the natural world and the personal stories behind each commission.
With more than 1,500 completed pieces, Paul continues to explore the possibilities of mosaic as both an ancient tradition and a contemporary form of artistic expression.
Commission work available, including custom pet portraits, decorative pieces, and larger wall installations.

My Story
From Fragments to Masterpieces
I have explored the art of mosaic — transforming hundreds of individual pieces of ceramic and glass into detailed works filled with texture, color, and light for over twenty-five years.
My work includes pet portraits, landscapes, still life compositions, garden pieces, and reinterpretations of classic artwork. Each mosaic begins as a collection of small fragments and slowly becomes a larger story, carefully shaped through placement, balance, and patience.
With more than 1,500 pieces completed, I continue to be inspired by the endless possibilities of this ancient art form. I love the process of taking something small and seemingly separate and creating something unified, expressive, and meaningful.
Now living in Machias, Maine, I find inspiration in the natural beauty of Down East — the coastline, wildlife, changing seasons, and the stories held within the places around me. Whether I am creating a portrait of a beloved pet or capturing the character of a landscape, my goal is to create mosaics that feel personal, alive, and connected to the memories and moments that matter.
My Artistic Journey
I have been drawn to creativity for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Suffolk, England, I explored many different mediums, including oil painting, watercolor, and sketching, always searching for the artistic expression that felt most natural to me.
That connection came when I moved to Cyprus and discovered mosaic. The process of cutting and placing each individual piece to build an image immediately resonated with me. I was captivated by the combination of structure and creativity — the patience required to build something piece by piece, and the freedom to bring my own interpretation into the work.
My fifteen years living abroad with my husband during his U.S. Foreign Service career greatly influenced my artistic path. Experiencing different cultures, traditions, colors, and histories shaped the way I see the world and continues to influence my creative process.
Cyprus was especially meaningful. The island’s brilliant light, ancient mosaics, archaeological history, and natural landscapes inspired me to explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to the medium. Local artists and instructors helped me refine my techniques and encouraged me to discover my own voice within this ancient art form.
Today, my work continues to evolve with each new place, experience, and inspiration. Living in Maine has brought a new landscape and a new chapter — one filled with coastal beauty, quiet moments, and endless creative possibilities.
Each mosaic I create carries pieces of my journey: the places I have lived, the stories I have collected, and the belief that even the smallest fragments can come together to create something extraordinary.
A Fun Fact About Me
I like to bake.
Featured Work

a harmonious balance between the cool aquatic palette and the fiery solar burst, merging mythical grandeur with natural spectacle

a harmonious balance between the cool aquatic palette and the fiery solar burst, merging mythical grandeur with natural spectacle
Media Gallery
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Current Work
I'm preparing pieces which will be available at:
The Bangor Sidewalk Art Festival July 11 and October 3
Grand Lake Stream Folk Art Festival July 25 & 26
Machias Wild Blueberry Festival: August 15-16
Find My Art
Here's where my work is currently available:
Machias Arts Center 277 Main St, Machias ME 04654
Eastport Gallery 109 Water St, Eastport, ME 04631
The Foggy Bee 95 Ficketts Point Rd, Milbridge, ME 04658
Wooleez of Maine 4 Colonial Way, Ste 1, Machias, ME 04654






