mosaic courses
Specialist courses with a professional mosaic artist, listed by date.
Some are in the UK, others are held overseas.
Further details available on application to emma@emmabiggsmosaic.net
COMPLEXITY AND REPETITION
16th February 2011
SAMA Conference. Austin, Texas. USA
A one-day course with lecture
Beginners/Intermediate/Experienced
Workshop $260
Materials $55
Hours: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Contact: info@americanmosaics.org
Pattern is in the nature of mosaic -- a by-product of placing one tile next to another. Here we look at this rich seam – discussing and learning everything from simple repeats to techniques and principles underlying the multi-layered complexity of the most sophisticated practitioners of mosaic art.
The session starts with a lecture, in which we examine historical and contemporary examples, from the perspectives of technique, content and meaning. Each student is encouraged to see how these principles can be applied in their own practice.
The course is appropriate for all, from beginners to the most experienced. The aim of the workshop is to enable students to understand and develop a richer approach to pattern generally, and to consider ways in which it can be used to convey not just properties of decoration, but ideas themselves. The lecture touches on a number of simple rules, useful to any mosaicist,.The morning session covers history, ideas, techniques and aesthetics. It will be a stimulating introduction to ideas covered further in the conference lecture programme.
The afternoon session is hands-on. The aim is not to complete work, but to apply these principles in practice.
COMPLEXITY AND REPETITION
17th February 2011
SAMA Conference. Austin, Texas. USA
A one-day course with lecture
Beginners/Intermediate/Experienced
Workshop $260
Materials $55
Hours: 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Contact: info@americanmosaics.org
Pattern is in the nature of mosaic -- a by-product of placing one tile next to another. Here we look at this rich seam – discussing and learning everything from simple repeats to techniques and principles underlying the multi-layered complexity of the most sophisticated practitioners of mosaic art.
The session starts with a lecture, in which we examine historical and contemporary examples, from the perspectives of technique, content and meaning. Each student is encouraged to see how these principles can be applied in their own practice.
The course is appropriate for all, from beginners to the most experienced. The aim of the workshop is to enable students to understand and develop a richer approach to pattern generally, and to consider ways in which it can be used to convey not just properties of decoration, but ideas themselves. The lecture touches on a number of simple rules, useful to any mosaicist, ones it has taken the tutor a lifetime to learn! The morning session covers history, ideas, techniques and aesthetics. It will be a stimulating introduction to ideas covered further in the conference lecture programme.
The afternoon session is hands-on. The aim is not to complete work, but to apply these principles in practice.
TO MOSAIC
26–27 February 2011
North London
A weekend course for those new to mosaic
Beginners Fee: £150
Hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Phone: 01366 727298
Contact: emma@emmabiggsmosaic.net
The direct method is probably the easiest of all mosaic techniques, although it can be used in highly sophisticated and professional ways. Unlike the indirect method, there is no transformation or reversal of image – the mosaic you see as you work is the mosaic you end up. This makes it a really good technique for beginners.
The reverse method is the most practical of professional mosaic methods. After sketching out a design, cut tiles are stuck with washable glue onto paper on which the desired image has been drawn. When the mosaic is complete, it is taken to its final location (in this case, a board) and fixed with adhesive. The paper is then removed, and the tiles finally grouted. Mesh can also be used, and this becomes part of the structure itself. All students should complete a mosaic by one method or the other during the course, and their understanding should be grounded well enough to ensure familiarity with and subsequent use of either technique. Instruction is given in use of tools, materials and bases.
The course begins with learning to use the tools effectively. Materials, adhesives and bases are discussed, and students learn what to use and where to use it. Then the mosaic work begins. Students generally complete a panel of approximately a square foot in size.
WITH A HAMMER AND HARDY
7–11 March 2011
A five-day course with slide presentations
Beginner/Intermediate/Experienced
Fee: £336
Phone: 01243 811301
Contact: enquiries@westdean.org.uk
Hammer and hardy supplied per student.
Make a small mosaic panel from some of the most beautiful materials available – stone and smalti. Smalti is brilliantly coloured, enamelled glass. It is particularly attractive combined with stone, whose natural subtlety acts as an attractive foil to the vivid shiny material. On this course students work at the bench learning how to use the mosaic hammer and hardy – a metal chisel bedded into a wooden log. Each participant develops a design, and each project is seen through with one-to-one guidance. There is a lecture on the work of historical and contemporary mosaic artists, which aims to inspire students and help them see new possibilities with the medium. Information about adhesives, substrates and technical information will be given.
AN INTRODUCTION TO MOSAIC: DESIGN AND COLOUR
26–27 March 2011
Georgetown, Washington DC, USA
A weekend course
Beginners/Intermediate/Experienced
Hours: 10.00 am– 4.00 pm
Fee: $320
Contact: sproxenos@gmail.com
This course is an introduction to working effectively in mosaic. In order to make a striking and successful design, it is useful to understand the roles played by colour, tone, repetition, pattern, reflectivity, contrast and the qualities of surface of the material used. We will look at all of these, and each student will aim to apply them in the making of a small panel in the course of the weekend.
MOSAIC TABLES
16–17 April 2011
North London
A weekend course Beginners/Intermediate
Hours: 10.00 am– 5.00 pm
Fee: £150
Phone: 01366 727298
Contact: emma@emmabiggsmosaic.net
This is an ideal course for absolute beginners. Students will learn to work on tables in one of two ways. The direct method is probably the easiest of all mosaic techniques, although it can be used in highly sophisticated and professional ways. There is no transformation or reversal of image – the mosaic you see as you work is the mosaic you end up. The indirect method is slightly more complex, and allows you to work on more sophisticated projects. The course begins with learning to use the tools effectively. Materials, adhesives and bases are discussed, and students learn what to use and where to use it. Then the mosaic work begins.
DESIGN AND TECHNIQUES
28–29 May 2011
Norfolk, England
A weekend course Beginners/Intermediate/Experienced
Hours: 10.00 am– 5.00 pm
Fee: £150
Phone: 01366 727298
Contact: emma@emmabiggsmosaic.net
This course is aimed at those who wish to learn how to work on projects in the garden: wall panels, paving slabs, small paving projects, or three-dimensional work for outside. The course covers a range of these techniques.
Texture, Reflectivity, Surface
25–26 June 2011
Norfolk, England
A weekend course with slide presentation Beginners/Intermediate/Experienced
Hours: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
Fee: £150
Phone: 01366 727298
Contact: emma@emmabiggsmosaic.net
Texture in mosaic can be one of the most exciting, and beautiful properties of mosaic material, but it is tricky to use texture really effectively as there are so many issues at play. On this course, students will be taught the important strategies on which to focus, and how to do so to greatest aesthetic effect. Reflectivity and qualities of surface (granular, flat, sheer, rounded, sharp – for example) have to be considered and balanced to achieve a compelling design. Materials, substrates and tools will all be covered in this interesting course.
DESIGN, COLOUR, TEXTURE
6–12 August 2011
West Dean Summer School, West Dean College, West Sussex.
A six-day course with slide presentations
Beginner/Intermediate/Experienced
Fee: To be confirmed
Phone: 01243 811301
Contact: enquiries@westdean.org.uk
This course is aimed at the mosaicist with some experience. There is an emphasis on the design aspect of mosaic making and students are encouraged to explore new approaches to their work. The course is structured towards exercises and experiments in the morning sessions, and development of projects in the afternoon. There are lectures in mosaic, tutor's talks an opportunity to try out a different discipline for a couple of hours, gallery visits, and a farewell party. The country house surroundings, and award-winning gardens make Summer School an exceptional experience.
USING THE HAMMER AND HARDY
14–19 August 2011
A five-day course with slide presentations
Beginner/Intermediate/Experienced
Fee: To be confirmed
Phone: 01243 811301
Contact: enquiries@westdean.org.uk
Make a small mosaic panel from some of the most beautiful materials available – stone and smalti. Smalti is brilliantly coloured, enamelled glass. It is particularly attractive combined with stone, whose natural subtlety acts as an attractive foil to the vivid shiny material. On this course students work at the bench learning how to use the mosaic hammer and hardy – a metal chisel bedded into a wooden log. Each participant develops a design, and each project is seen through with one-to-one guidance. There is a lecture on the work of historical and contemporary mosaic artists, which aims to inspire students and help them see new possibilities with the medium. Information about adhesives, substrates and technical information will be given.
