Ref: SWE36585
Explore the qualities of mosaics and their use in interior or garden design, as clothing of architecture or sculpture, and as fine art or decoration. This tactile and visual medium has the potential to include a wide range of materials.
You will have an opportunity to experiment with materials and discover how they affect each other as neighbours and collaborators. You will be working on individual projects, adhering materials directly onto a base. You may wish to follow a design or allow the materials to suggest ideas to you, taking a more intuitive approach. You will be able to recognise and choose which style(s) to work in. Copying mosaics is not encouraged, as one of the aims of this course is to interact imaginatively with the materials and the medium, as well as learning a set of skills. You will have an opportunity to practise using the hammer and hardy to break up stone, as well as other tools, such as tile nippers for more regular materials.
By the end of the course, you will be able to work independently on projects using the direct method, distinguish a number of different styles commonly used in the medium, and research and develop ideas for further projects. This course offers opportunity for all, for the beginner to discover and to give those with some experience the space and support to develop their skills in a creative environment.
The course fee includes a pack of mosaic tiles, grout and a base.
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials
Available from tutor: A limited range of Smalti glass, stone and unspecified material will be available for purchase from the tutor.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential
Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed
Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required
Vanessa Benson is a London-based Artist working predominantly in the mosaic medium. She studied painting at Camberwell School of Art and lived in Italy for 8 years in the 80's, where she studied mosaics She has been teaching mosaics in adult education and running community projects since 1993.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
