Tag Archives: My Mosaic Story

My Mosaic Story – Inspiration

Posted on August 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

Gannett by Aimee Harman

The first mosaic artist I was inspired by was Aimee Harman. Aimee had taught Julia to mosaic so as soon as I got home after making that first tile, I went onto Aimee’s website. I was totally bowled over by her work and the stunning mosaics she makes. Up until then I had a very limited view of mosaics and I was not that keen on them. However, it was seeing Aimee’s mosaics that made me realise what a huge variety, range and style this artwork can have. There was a lovely piece with the caption ‘I made this after mosaicing for 8 weeks’. WOW! Here is one of Aimee’s beautiful textured mosaics, below her ‘Gannett’ commissioned piece. Do go and have a look at Aimee’s website and be prepared to be amazed.

New to this art form, I was very eager but totally lacking in inspiration as that creative muscle had been dormant for a long time. I bought various books that suggested mosaic projects and also showed lovely pictures and different techniques. My first book was ‘Beginner’s Guide to Mosaics’ by Peter Massey and Alison Slater, followed by Rosalind Wates ‘The Mosaic Decorators Sourcebook’ which I bought at her mosaic course and she signed for me. Others have followed: Maggie Howarth’s ‘Pebble Mosaic Handbook’ shows lovely outdoor pebble mosaics – another style of mosaic altogether. Emma Biggs ‘Mosaic Techniques’ does what it says on the label and Robert Fields’ ‘Inspirations’ has gorgeous cat mosaics – one day I hope to achieve that standard of mosaicing – I have a long , long way to go.

Original Guinea Fowl Mosaic by Martin Cheek

Original ‘Corn Fed Chicken’ by Martin Cheek

I also discovered Martin Cheek who has written several books and is one of the most well-known mosaic artists. His ‘journey’ and biography is fascinating and his CV is beyond impressive. His work is lovely and he has a very distinctive style. He manages to create a totally different effect with his mosaics and again, shows different techniques and styles. Do go and visit Martin’s website and have a read of his Blog.

I always knew I was artistic but had never found the right medium. Through mosaics I am slowly starting to find my own style and inspiration. I have tried various techniques and am learning which ones work for me. All the above people mentioned, and many more, have given me inspiration and encouragement through their work and love of mosaic. I continue to learn while being very much ‘the new girl on the mosaic block’.

A ‘thank you’ to all of you following my Blog, I really appreciate your early support and encouragement.

REQUEST: I have a new ‘Mystery Page’ on my website. It is my latest project, but what is it….and why? Please visit and leave a comment if you think you know what it may be.

Coming soon: The Log Cabin Project

My Mosaic Story – The Journey Begins

Posted on July 29, 2014 | 2 comments

Yes, I know it is a bit of a cliché calling it a journey, but it really has been.

My First Mosaic

I met Julia and made my first mosaic with her on the same day, 29^th July, 7 years ago today. I loved making my little tile and I think Julia was surprised at how precise I was about colours and shapes. We had only just met so she didn’t realise what a control freak I was!

When I got home I bought a mixed carton of mosaic tiles from Hobbycraft but didn’t really know what to do with them so played around and made a basic mirror and a few terracotta pots. Funnily enough, round about the same time my friend Anne had also been introduced to mosaics. The following April we went together on a weekend beginners course with Ros Wates. It was a great weekend where we learnt all the technical basics of mosaic making – materials, adhesives, grouting and most importantly, cutting. I still think cutting is the most important element of mosaic making. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed it and liked the ‘snake’ that I had made, but didn’t do much else except another mirror.

Late that year we went to Bath with our friends Helen and Bob and I discovered the mosaic shop on the bridge. When I went in it was like an Aladdin’s Cave. I was so taken by the huge range of beautiful tiles, shiny glass ones, lovely muted matt ceramic ones – so many to touch. The real turning point was they also sold ‘templates’ of mosaic pictures – almost ‘mosaic by numbers’. I bought a zebra template and all the tiles to make it. That was it, I had an aim and a specific piece to make. That was the point I got well and truly hooked.

I loved making the zebra and when I look at it now, I am amazed how I managed to make that as my first proper piece. I can see 500 zebra galloping over the African Plains – how many can you see.

Since then I have been mosaicing away, discovering my style, trying new things, improving my technique, learning from friends and various people along the way. I hope I have thanked everyone who has helped me on this ‘yellow brick/mosaic road’ on my original website.

So when people ask ‘how did you get into mosaics’ I tell them the above story – my journey and it is by no mean over. In another Blog I will tell you the things I have been involved in so far and the destination I am aiming for.

Request: Please have a look at my Gallery and give me feedback on the pieces you like and why.

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My Mosaic Story – Mosaic Friends Along The Way

Posted on July 10, 2014 | 4 comments

I had my first introduction to mosaics 7 years ago – 29^th July 2007 to be precise.

Since then I have met some great mosaic makers: Julia (who got me started all those years ago on an art form I didn’t think I liked), Aimee, Kitty and all the mosaic artists I follow on Facebook. All of whom have inspired and encouraged me along the way.

I’ve also found great mosaic suppliers: Joe and Kate of Mosaic Heaven, James of Mosaic Workshop.

Aine and I at Court Farm Gallery

ARTHouse Open Studios 2014

A big ‘thank you’ to all the people who have given me a platform to show my work: Osterley Garden Gallery, Runnymede Gallery, Jamie at Wetlands, Carol at Whitley Bay, Catherine at All Original, Aine at Kingston Arts, Vivien at Log Cabin, Peter, Louise and Carla at Arthouse Richmond Open Studios. I really appreciate you helping me get my work out to a wider audience.

I am really keen to get into Galleries so hopefully other places will take a liking to my work and let me display and exhibit. If you have any connections to Galleries, please encourage them to read this Blog and look at my photo gallery.

The Trolley Dollies

My latest Mosaic Friends are Trish, Barbara and Kathy from St. Albans. Trish found me via a friend of hers who saw my work in Northumberland. A tenuous connection if ever there was one! We have all become good friends and have met up a few times. We have now become known as the ‘Trolley Dollies’ because when we go shopping for mosaics supplies, we take out trollies – as little old ladies should!

Coming next: Inspiration from RHS Hampton Court Flower Show

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