mosaic courses

Specialist courses with a professional mosaic artist held at her London studio.

Spring courses listed below.

Summer 2010 course list available on application to emma@emmabiggsmosaic.net

8–12 March 2010

West Dean College, West Dean, W. Sussex

Cost: £322 (for non residents)

Beginners/intermediate/experienced

Hammer and hardy supplied per student.

Stone and smalti are probably the most lively and rewarding of mosaic materials. Smalti is the wonderfully intense opaque glass seen in Byzantine churches and it retains its fascination for artists today. Marble, stone, and smalti have very different characteristics, but ones that can be mutually complementary. The reflectivity of smalti is enhanced by use in combination with the more matt and less intense nature of stone. Emma will go through the various palettes, explaining characteristics of the material, and give suppliers’ details. She will then supervise the design and making of a small panel by each student. It is possible to complete a small panel in the allotted time, but the rate at which each individual works can vary immensely.

A series of lectures will demonstrate techniques, and reveal how others have used these materials. A mosaic book specialist will be invited to come and bring books for sale.

Everyone can work with the tools at their bench, learning how to handle them properly. (Effective handling of the hammer and hardy has an effect on a mosaicist’s budget, as a wide range of found materials, like stone, can be used at almost no cost to the artist.)

1–2 May 2010

Holloway, North London

Cost: £150

Beginners/intermediate/experienced

This is an ideal course for absolute beginners. 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. Students generally complete a panel of approximately a square foot in size.

15–16 May 2010

10am–5pm

Cost: £150

Beginners/Intermediate/Experienced

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. Contact Emma for further details.

22–23rd May 2010

10am–5pm

Cost: £150

Beginners/Intermediate

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 during the course, and their understanding should be grounded well enough to ensure familiarity with and subsequent use of the 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.

29–30 May 2010

10am–5pm

Cost: £150

Intermediate / Experienced

The course explores a range of techniques — the double reverse method, working with mesh, ungrouted mosaic, working to a three dimensional substrate — are just a few of the techniques we will cover. The course is aimed at students who have undertaken the basics and wish to extend their range of knowledge. In the course of the weekend there will be two powerpoint presentations of both historical and contemporary mosaic work. We undertake a range of exercises in order to understand a variety of possibly unfamiliar techniques. Vintage marble cubes can be made available at cost from the tutor, if prior notice is given.

3–4 July 2010

10am–5pm

Cost: £150

Beginners/Intermediate/ Experienced

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 new course.

10–11 July 2010

10am–5pm

Cost: £150

Beginners/Intermediate/ Experienced

This course focuses on how to design for mosaic, and a range of effects that can be achieved by working with colour. Both subjects are immense — far wider than can be taught in a single weekend — but we will cover the broad principles. We look at tone and intensity of colour, and hue and surface of materials. We will study both the materials themselves, and some completed work, to see how these principles can be practically applied.

You should not necessarily expect to complete a single piece. Instead, you will make small numerous experiments. These should be inspiring and enable you to go away and produce more sophisticated work as a result. The course is suitable for beginners, and those who have a broad understanding of the basics are likely to get most from it.

28–29 August 2010

10am–5pm

Cost: £150

Beginners/Intermediate/ Experienced

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.