Category Archives: Mosaic Art

Rosanna’s Mosaic CV

Posted on September 5, 2015 | 1 comment

I am always being asked ‘how did you get into mosaics – have you exhibited – where can I see your work?’  I recently put my mosaic CV up onto the BAMM website so thought it would be a goo idea to show it here as well.

The finished result

The Marple Mosaic

COMING UP IN OCTOBER: ‘The Marple Collection’ – an exhibition of exciting new work at South Street Gallery

2015 – August: Invited to join the co-operative of artists at the new ‘South Street Gallery’ in Isleworth.

2015 – July: Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop invited me to display my work on a permanent basis.

2015 – June/July:  Richmond Open Studios – exhibited at Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop, St. Margarets.

2015 – March: Got my work into ‘North East Art Collective’ Gallery’ in Northumberland.

2015 – March: 3rd year in ‘All Original’ shop.

2014 – October: Went to their AGM and joined BAMM.

I think my our work here is done. Thank you LOG CABIN for a great opportunity and fantastic experience.

I think my work here is done. Thank you LOG CABIN for a great opportunity and fantastic experience.

2014 – August: Completed The Log Cabin community project.

2014 – June/July: Took part in ARThouse – Richmond Open Studios with photographer Peter Oliver and 4 other artists, based at The Beany Boo Cafe in Whitton.

2014 – March: 2nd year in ‘All Original’ shop.

2014 – January / February: Exhibited at Court Farm Gallery.

Why not make yet another, even bigger mosaic to raffle?? Souldn't take too long!

‘Hollyhocks’ raised £1,250 for the Log Cabin children’s charity.

2013 – December: Made and raffled a large outdoor mosaic, raised £1,250 for The Log Cabin.

2013 – December: Art and Craft Sale at Pitshanger Methodist Hall.

2013 – March: Started selling my work in the new designer/maker shop ‘All Original’ in Ealing.

2012 – December: Art and Craft Sale at Pitshanger Methodist Hall.

2012 – October: Started selling my work in a designer/maker shop in Whitley Bay, Northumberland.

Tools of the trade

Tools of the trade

2012 – October: Demonstration evenings at Hobbycraft in Greenford.

2012 – August: Started on a voluntary community project, making several large outdoor mosaics for The Log Cabin children’s charity in West London. 90% materials were donated by small local businesses and individuals.

2012 – July: I was invited to demonstrate at the Traditional Crafts Weekend at The Wetlands Centre in Barnes

Paperweight Stones

Paperweight Stones

2011 – December: My friend Sally who introduced me to Osterley and makes beautiful textile work, suggested we organise an Art and Craft  Sale locally at Pitshanger Methodist Hall, inviting local artists we knew to take part.

2011 – July/August: 2nd Exhibition at The Garden Gallery, Osterley House.

Norweigan Moonlight

Norweigan Moonlight

2011 – April: Exhibition at Runnymede Gallery, Old Windsor.

2010 – December: Christmas Craft Fair at Osterley House.

2010 – April / May: First exhibition at The Garden Gallery, Osterley House, a National Trust Property. My friend Sally sent me an application form and I filled it in! I loved the whole experience and was amazed at the amount I sold.

2009 – October: Got a few pieces of my work into local Ealing shops; Stems flower shop and Barbara Tobias dressmaking studio.

2009 –  March: Julia had originally been taught mosaic by her friend Aimee Harman – an amazing mosaic artist who’s website had really inspired me after that first introduction. Julia and I did a weekend course with Aimee in her fantastic studio – a day of fused glass and then a day of mosaic, incorporating our glass pieces.

Large Terracotta Pot

Large Terracotta Pot

2008 – September: Following the Ros Waites course I did the odd mirror and pot but didn’t really have a mosaic focus. During a weekend trip to Bath I stumbled across the Mosaic Shop on Poultney Bridge and it was like stepping into an Aladins Cave! A riot of beautiful mosaics tiles in different materials and wonderful colours. They also had templates so I bought a ‘zebra design’ and that gave me my focus. This was the point where I got ‘hooked’ on mosaics, I was off!

2008 – April: My friend Anne had also got interested in mosaics and she suggested we did a course. Did a beginners weekend course with Ros Waites, where I was taught how to cut and place, learnt aout the different materials, techniques and basics of mosaic.

My First Mosaic

My First Mosaic

 2007 – 29th July:  Met Julia for the first time and she encouraged me to make my first mosaic, a small coaster.

 

 

 

COMING SOON: Rosanna’s Mosaics and Social Media

 

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Mosaic Art on Display

Posted on August 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

My aim for this year was to get my work displayed in a Gallery. I am therefore delighted that part way through the year and I am now in 3 venues.

The North East Art Collective is a fantastic, large gallery in the centre of Newcastle that displays the work of over 140 artists. There I have a range of my mosaic mirrors, my long, thin panels and some larger pieces.

Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop in St. Margarets, Twickenham asked me to continue to exhibit my work after I displayed and demonstrated with them for Richmond Open Studios in July. A lovely local coffee shop in a delightful leafy setting, this place has a terrific atmosphere and incredibly friendly staff.   I am showing my long panels, my small wall hangings and some fun pieces.

South Street Gallery is a new, small gallery. Set in picturesque Isleworth in an historical square, this Gallery is set to make an impact in the area as Artisitic Director Lesley had innovative plans for exhibitions and community events. As I have shelf space I am able to display my mosaiced recycled roof tiles, small pictures and coasters.

During my travels over the years I have often felt that mosaic art is either totally missing or poorly represented in galleries and exhibitions. It is therefore very refreshing and rewarding for me to be in these 3 venues that are run by artistic and forward thinking people who are open to mosaic as an art form and willing to try something different. They have all been extremely encouraging and welcoming to me as a mosaic artist and it is great to be working with them.

REQUEST: Do you know of any experimental gallery owners who may be interested in displaying my mosaic art?

COMING SOON: Mosaic Lessons – why not have a go yourself!?

 

 

 

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Rosanna’s Mosaics – International!

Posted on August 16, 2015 | Leave a comment
Quentin1

Quentin the Lizard

The first proper commission I ever made was Quentin the Lizard that went to live in France with Nicol and John. I received an email earlier this year from their neighbours, Louise and Marucs, who had always admired Quentin and asked if I could make them an outdoor mosaic.

They wanted a large cross to go on their outside wall which gets lashed with rain in winter and then baked in the sun during summer. I knew this meant I couldn’t use my usual outdoor plywood as the wood was likely to warp so I was on a quest to find an alternative material. Fellow mosaic artist Sue Edkins suggested Hardie Bakker Board which is a very tough, composite substance, that is often used to line shower and wet rooms. This seemed the perfect material for this project.

French Cross close up

French Cross

Louise and Marcus came round and we discussed the style and effect they wanted to achieve for their cross. We settled on a subtle colour palette of muted shades including tans and moss greens. I used ceramic matt tiles with a few glass tesserae to lift it and add shine. They also said they wanted the Vendee symbol included in the piece as this was the ‘symbol’ for the region of France where the cross was going to go – a bit like our Yorkshire & Lancashire roses. I have always been a bit wary of ‘writing’ or putting symbols into mosaics as it is quite fiddly and if not done well, can look a bit sloppy. However, they were very keen and the client is always right so I took up the challenge! By setting the Vendee in a clear area, it seemed to work quite well and I am pleased with the results.  Whew, another challenge under the belt!

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Vendee symbol

It was a lovely piece to make and very different from the recent Marple Mosaic commission. I think I have made a pretty good job with the Vendee and when Louise and Marcus came to collect the piece, they were delighted. It is now in situ and here are some photos of it in it’s new French home.

 

I now have 2 mosaic pieces living in France, a growing number of mosaic lizards living all over the world and I have given mosaic lessons to people that now live in Mexico and New Zealand.  I think I can claim the title and now say that I am Rosanna’s Mosaics International!

REQUEST: If you enjoyed reading this Blog, please pass a link on to others who may also enjoy reading it.

COMING SOON: Mosaic art for sale

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July Review

Posted on July 26, 2015 | 2 comments

As we come towards the end of July I realise that it has been a very busy and productive month for Rosanna’s Mosaics. So here is an update of activities.

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The Gallery in Newcastle

I really enjoy being in such a prestigious gallery,  The North East Collective , which is in the Newcastle main shopping centre. John and Catherine are lovely and friendly and I always get a great welcome when I pop in. I have also sold 4 pieces so things are looking very positive.

Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop, with Steph

Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop, with Steph

It was great fun taking part in Richmond Open Studios for the second year and it was lovely to have my work displayed in Harris + Hoole coffee shop at St. Margarets. I demonstrated on both Sundays and got a lot of interest in my work and mosaic lessons as well as making some sales. Owner Steph has kindly invited me to remain exhibiting in Harris + Hoole so my work is now on show and on sale there. It is fantastic to be showing my work in such a friendly and busy venue.

I have now been Blogging for a year. I really enjoy it and hope to  attract more Followers. One of the main reasons for Blogging was to get myself known further afield and to get into some Galleries. So far I am in 2 new venues so I think we can call that a result!

To help me with my marketing I have got some newly designed  Business Cards with my new Logo. I wanted to raise my profile a bit more and think that the  new style is more in keeping with my target audience of Gallery owners and exhibiting opportunities. Do let me know what you think.

New Website, New Logo

New Logo

My First Mosaic

My First Mosaic

So it is 8 years ago this month that my friend Julia got me to make my first mosaic!  Although I enjoyed making the small coaster (it took me all afternoon!), I did not think I would do any more. How wrong a person can be! Thank you Julia, I will be forever be grateful for you saying “Do you like mosaics” (not really), “Would you like to make one” (Hmmm, no, but it’s a long time til we have supper so I may as well).  The rest, as they say, is history!!!!

So my shed has no official name but is being used on a very regular basis for mosaics making (as well as gardening) so sometimes it is ‘The Grout House’ and other times ‘The Cutting Room’. I am currently spending a lot of time in there making a New Commission that I have received for a piece that will be going to France. Watch this space as I hope to have photos soon.

All Original Shop

All Original Shop

I have (reluctantly) decided it is time to leave the All Original shop where I have been selling my mosaics since it first opened in March 2013.  I do feel very sad about this as I have been with Catherine from the start of her journey when she first phoned me up and said ‘I may have done the most impulsive thing, but I am taking a lease on a shop‘. Since then the shop has gone from strength to strength and  is now well established in Ealing as the place to buy unique gifts. My decision to leave has been a long time in coming as I love being part of the All Original family. However, I do feel my mosaic work is becoming more ‘art’ than ‘craft’ and a Gallery and exhibition environment is more suited to where I want to be, going forward.

A find farewell to Catherine and her team including Laura, Jane, Gill, Vanessa and Emma.  Thank you to Catherine for all your help and support over the last two and a half years.  I will still be popping in to buy gifts and to keep in touch.

REQUEST:  If you enjoy this Blog, please pass it on to others as I would like to get more Followers.

COMING SOON: What would YOU like to hear about? Let me know the type of things (mosaic wise) you are interested in reading about, is it lessons, commissions, upcoming events? Either leave a reply below or contact me on email.

 

 

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I Name This Shed………………….

Posted on July 21, 2015 | Leave a comment

P1050225So I was hoping that in the true style of most competitions, I would be announcing the winning shed name with a flourish and then I would make a lovely Mosaic Name Plate for the door.

However………………………. I can tell you can feel a ‘but‘ coming on!

I have had a great response from lots of people via this Blog, Facebook and Email and thank you to all that responded and joined in the fun. But rather than a specific name leading the field, most of the suggested names have collected several votes resulting in an overall spread. Therefore no obvious winner!

P1050061As there are several names that I would have voted for, even I feel unable to pick a favourite! I am therefore going to go with the ‘Harry Potter’ idea and make it a ‘Shed of Requirements’ with the name suiting  the requirement as need be at the time. So one day I may be ‘going to the Grout House’ and another day I may be having a nice cuppa in ‘Rosanna’s Retreat’. At least this way I get to use all the lovely names you suggested and obviously, you are very welcome to join me in which every guise you fancy!

New Website, New Logo

New Branded Logo

One thing that has got a specific name is the branding for my mosaic work ‘Rosanna’s Mosaics’ which has had a bit of a make-over. I have just ordered some new business cards and exhibition labels in this new colour palette. I hope you like it.

REQUEST: Having had the Blog for a year I have gathered a nice amount of Followers so thank you all for joining me. However, I would now like to increase my Following so please can you spread the word and maybe send this Blog to anyone you know who is interested in mosaics or anything arty.

COMING SOON: July review.

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Name The Shed Competition

Posted on July 10, 2015 | 6 comments

P1050061Regular readers will know that Alan bought me a shed for my birthday and my aim is to use it for gardening and mosaicing. Already I seem to be spending a lot of my time in it.  As well as the above it has also been used for evening drinks and breakfasts catching the early morning sunshine! I am currently working on a new commission and it is providing the ideal space for spreading out all my tiles and equipment.

Calling it a ‘shed’ does not seem to do it justice, it needs a proper name. Lots of people have made suggestions and I said in the previous Blog we would have a competition. So here we go:

Listed below are the suggestions:

Mosaic Mansion

Rosanna’s Retreat

RHS Ealing (Rosanna Henderson’s Shed – Ealing)

Hendo’s Hideaway

The Log Cabin (see previous Blog)

The Mole Hole (Mosaic / Leisure)

The Studio Shed

The Garden Room

The Grout House

The Creative Cabin

The Craft Cabin

The Room of Requirements (as in Harry Potter)

The Cutting Room

REQUEST: To vote for your favourite, either ‘Leave a Reply below or email me. 

COMING SOON: ……..and the name of the Shed is ****

 

 

 

 

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Open Studios 2015

Posted on July 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

It has been a great experience being part of ARThouse Richmond Open Studio again this year.

Arthouse blue thumbnailThe event was held over the past 2 weekends with over 500 varied artists opening their studios or exhibiting in venues in  the Royal Borough of Richmond. This annual event has been running for 20 years and is extremely well organised by Richmond Arts Service. Well done to Lucy, Carla and all the team and volunteers who co-ordinated it all and provided us  with such great publicity, marketing materials and assistance. I am sure you must be delighted with the great success the event has been.

The demonstration piece

The demonstration piece

I exhibited my mosaic art in Harris + Hoole coffee shop in St. Margarets. Its a fantastic coffee shop and a great venue for my mosaic art. They are extremely friendly, great coffee, yummy cakes and snacks. The lovely Steph (pictured below) and her team looked after me very well on the 2 Sunday’s that I was there demonstrating.

Sue visiting Open Studios

Sue visiting Open Studios

I sold some pieces and got a lot of enquiries about mosaic lessons and commissions from the steady stream of people who came to visit and see my work. Some friends popped by as well so all in all I was kept nice and busy and managed to get a lot done on the mosaic mirror that was my demonstration piece over the 2 weekends.

A huge THANK YOU to all of you that called in to see me. It has been great fun and I would love to be invited back again next year.

Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop, with Steph

Harris + Hoole Coffee Shop, with Steph

A GREAT BONUS: Steph from Harris + Hoole has invited me to exhibit my mosaic art at the coffee shop on a longer term basis and has allocated me 2 areas to display. Brilliant news – thank you Steph.

 

REQUEST: Sign up to this BLOG to get information on my forthcoming exhibitions and events.

COMING SOON: 8 years of mosaicing  – where I’m at now.

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The Commission Has Landed!

Posted on June 14, 2015 | 4 comments
P1050225

The Commission

I am delighted to report that the commission piece I have been working on for the last 5 months has finally been delivered, installed and is living happily with its new owners in Cheshire. It would be an understatement to say they like it – they ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

It all started back in February when I got an email from Hilary and Pauline asking if I would be interested in being commissioned to make a large outdoor mosaic to go into an inset in their walled, courtyard garden.  We then talked on the phone and got on so well that I instantly agreed even though we were not sure what the piece was going to be. Over the next couple of weeks ideas and sketches were discussed and emailed and we very quickly agreed on a piece that we all liked. I could then go shopping for supplies!P1040916

Once I started work we began to Skype so they could see the progress, although I tried to only show snippets rather than  the overall piece, to keep them guessing!  I have kept a pictorial diary of the whole process for them. We have become firm friends during the process and found we are all straight talkers, have similar interests and enjoy a good laugh.

P1040930sOnce it was ready, Alan and I were happy to deliver it and take the opportunity to have a few days in Buxton en route which coincided with our wedding anniversary (Alan honestly said he didn’t mind). On arrival we had a grand unveiling with a bottle of champagne to ‘toast’ the new addition! The WOW factor was incredible and obviously very rewarding for me as I really enjoyed making the mosaic and was delighted they were so happy with it.

Hilary and Pauline had the mosaic installed the next day and we had a trip over to see it in situ and get some photos before we came back to London. I love making commissions and although they can be a bit stressful and worrying, it is all worthwhile when you get the reward of seeing the reaction and praise that shows how happy Hilary and Pauline are with their piece of mosaic art.

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Hilary, Rosanna & Pauline with the mosaic in place.

It was certainly an anniversary we will never forget and we have some lovely new friends in the processes.

REQUEST: Let me know what you think of the mosaic, I love to hear your feedback.

COMING SOON: Arts and Crafts in Buxton

 

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Outdoor Mosaics

Posted on May 12, 2015 | Leave a comment
Large Terracotta Pot

Large Terracotta Pot

Now that spring has arrived, thoughts turn to outdoor mosaics. I spend so much time outdoors, either in my garden, cycling or walking, that it makes perfect sense that I should enjoy making outdoor mosaics.

When I first started to mosaic I made a lot of outdoor terracotta pots. I then moved on to stepping stones and I have now cast my own. I then found a large supply of old roof tiles at the bottom of the garden and realised they were the perfect base to mosaic on. They are durable, weatherproof and it is always nice to re-cycle. They hang up very well which means they are perfect for door numbers and pictures.

I also love making lizards and frogs on stones, these can be tucked into flower beds and rockeries and always make people smile. I would love to make a large lizard in situ on a huge boulder in a rockery – that could be my next project, after we have created the rockery!

Here are some of the outdoor pieces I have made. I am happy to accept commissions for any outdoor piece – small or large.

 REQUEST:  Why not consider a cheerful outdoor mosaic to brighten up your outside areas?  Do call to discuss ideas.

COMING SOON:  ARThouse Open Studios

 

 

 

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Northumberland Trip

Posted on May 5, 2015 | 2 comments
St. Marys Lighthouse

St. Marys Lighthouse

We have just got back from a 2 week stay in Northumberland. We had incredibly hot weather which was great as my friend Linda came to stay for a few days and it is always nicer showing people round when it is sunny and bright.

We went to a couple of concerts including one of only 3 UK productions of Sting’s ‘The Last Ship’. This is a musical play written by and starring Sting, about the closing down of the shipyards in Tyneside, where he was bought up. It was staged at The Sage and I was delighted to get the last pair of tickets. We had the added bonus of seeing Jimmy Nail who took on a key role in the show. I also managed to sneak in a matinee of Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Car Man’. An excellent modern ballet loosely based on Bizet’s Carmen.  A fantastic production: amazing dancing, raunchy, great staging and all set to that fabulous Bizet score.

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Mosaic Mirrors

I had a few visits to the North East Art Collective gallery where I am now displaying my mosaic art. They had requested some of my mirrors so I took in a selection to chose from and they took all 6, along with 2 of my outdoor lizards on stones. I now have 17 pieces  on display in the gallery.

Catherine and John, who run and own the Gallery, are really nice and friendly and I am delighted to have a new venue and audience who can see (and hopefully buy) my work. It is lovely to have a north and south outlet, I now just need somewhere in the middle of the country!

Lizard on Stone

Lizard on Stone

I am now back in London and the holiday is over as mosaic work has to continue. I need to get everything together for ARThouse – Richmond Open Studios and I also need to continue with the commission piece.

Busy, busy, busy but that is how I like it!

 

 

REQUEST: Does anyone have any connections with Galleries in the Cotswolds, or Malvern area? If so, a link or introduction would be great.

COMING SOON: ARThouse – Richmond Open Studios and Harris & Hoole.

 

 

 

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