Mosaic courses

a) Decorative mosaics

The aim is to learn the techniques used for interior decoration (frieze, mirror, table top, vase...). You will either create a small mosaic picture (max 0.5 x 0.5m), or decorate an object which you have brought with you. The subject might be geometric or inspired by nature, or perhaps drawn from your own inspiration. The materials used are hard-fired stonewares, earthenwares, glazed pottery and mosaic glass.

b) Reproduction of a Roman mosaic

If you select this option you will produce a faithful copy of a Roman or Byzantine original, using the techniques of the time: cutting the marble and glass with a dalle hammer, and using a temporary lime-based backing which will be replaced by cement at the end of the process.

The courses last 5 days: 40 hours of intensive creative work.

Teaching starts with the cutting of the mosaic pieces with a dalle hammer and/or pliers. This is followed by learning and practising the steps in the creation of a mosaic:

choice of the motif to be reproduced
familiarisation with the materials
mastery of cutting techniques
setting of the mosaic pieces
awareness of harmony
grouting
cleaning

Dates of courses for 2008

Several themes are possible

Contemporary mosaics (enamels, mazurka, mosaic glass)
Roman mosaic, free choice (marble and smaltis)
Portrait in Roman mosaic

5-day courses

9-13 June 2008 - Questembert
14-18 July 2008 - Questembert

Times: 9:00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 18:00
Price : 390 Euros including the materials. You will need to arrange your own accommodation and meals. Courses are primarily orientated to the creation of a mosaic portrait using either the Roman or the contemporary method.

15-19 December 2008 - Australia

Learn how to make a portrait in mosaic in Australia

Price: 500 euros

Broaden your views on the possibilities of mosaic making and mosaic techniques
Students can choose to make one of the following:

Antique Portrait

We will provide a model, antique copy or similar, from the many available at the school.

Elaboration of a Modern Face

the photo of which must be brought by the students themselves

The technique used will be the direct method on a definitive binder assuring the sponteneity of the mosaic. For this reason the workshop is mainly aimed at experienced students, who are already able to cut materials using traditional tools.
Those students who want to do a modern portrait must come with their own picture printed in a standard size – either 10x15 cm (4”x 6”) or 13x18cm (6”x 8”). This is a prerequisite for the enlargement of the photo to the actual size of the mosaic.

We will show you how to touch-up the image using a computer and teach you the art of colour correction, in order to arrive at the desired colour range. Students will participate in both these activities.

Programme of the mosaic portrait course

Monday, December 15
Morning
Students study the subjects (photo portraits) and edit them on the computer, in order to obtain a colour range suitable for a mosaic.

Tuseday 16
Morning
Students trace the results onto mosaicist paper, and then choose the materials they want to use in the mosaic.
We help students divide the image into sections since the mosaic will be made in sections on a definitive binder – cement.
Students will finally start the mosaics.
Afternoon
Students will continue working on the mosaics.

Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18
Morning & Afternoon
Students continue making their mosaics

Friday 19
Morning
Students put the finishing touches on their mosaics.
Afternoon
Discussion of the course

How can the creation of a mosaic teach us craftsmanship ?

By familiarising us with the various materials used
The participants are encouraged to understand the different materials used, to investigate their feel, to enter into contact with them.

By providing a concrete objective
With an aim in mind, the participants can focus their attention and energy on the path to be taken, like a walker who sets himself a target to motivate his muscles.

By indicating the paths to be taken
The creation of a mosaic involves many steps. You must know how to break and cut; then how to glue the fragments together again to make a particular shape; how to add movement to the fragments; and how to blend the colours.

Examples of projects which can be undertaken during the course: wall decoration, mosaic on stone or wood, garden ornaments made of a sculpture covered in mosaic, etc. Both individual and group working are possible.

Contact : Catherine Thouroude, Mosaïque Atelier, 6 rue Laënnec, 56230 Questembert, France, tel +33 (0)2 97 49 00 04, email : catherinejuge@aol.com