Tag Archives: Mosaic Art

Sonia King Workshops at West Dean College, U.K.

5 Feb

Mosaic Intensive: Chichester, U.K.
Developing Artistic Expression with Sonia King
West Dean College
July 21 – 26, 2013
₤466 Non-Residential

Mosaic Intensive: Chichester, U.K.
Working in Monochrome with Sonia King
West Dean College
July 27 – August 2, 2013
₤608 Non-Residential

Sonia King West Dean Join Sonia King at the acclaimed West Dean College for a week (or two!) of mosaic immersion in an exceptional setting.

Artistic Expression, July 21 – 26, 2013

The goal of this workshop is to offer an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, offering a new way to think about one’s work and the knowledge to push to the next level. Special emphasis will be made on personal expression and developing one’s individual style. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials; and working direct using cement-based adhesive.

Sonia King WorkshopStudents will produce a mosaic using a variety of techniques/materials. There is extensive inquiry into cutting techniques, varied materials and laying styles; essentially broadening the student’s skill-set. There are also varied discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, spacing, andamento, and reflectivity.

Students will bring their own materials for use; possible materials include glass, unglazed ceramic, found objects, mineral specimens, beads, stone and fossils. There will be a limited selection of materials available for purchase.

Sonia King at West DeanYou work on your own project with lots of individual attention, dealing with issues that relate specifically to your work. However, all are invited into the discussions so there is a high level of learning from each other’s specific situations. Additionally there are group discussions and lectures on a variety of topics including design considerations when using multiple materials, cutting techniques, etc. A group review at the end focuses on problems solved and lessons learned.

Working in Monochrome, July 27 – August 2

Creating mosaic in a monochrome palette emphasizes the focus on cutting, laying style, reflectivity, scale and texture. Limiting possible decisions to the primary principles of mosaic offers learning opportunities that color can mask. Working within a single color family enhances technical skills while expanding our understanding of the subtle impact on personal expression.

Sonia King at West DeanWe’ll work direct in a variety of materials with special attention to cutting techniques, methods of laying, and broadening your skill set. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials; and working direct using cement-based adhesive. There are also varied discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, reflectivity and more. Most importantly, you’ll leave the workshop with an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, a new way of thinking about your work, and the knowledge to enable you to push to the next level. Some prior mosaic experience is recommended.

Each student will produce a mosaic using a variety of techniques/materials. Possible materials include glass, unglazed ceramic, found objects, mineral specimens, beads, stone and fossils. Plan to bring your materials with you. There will be a limited selection of materials available for purchase.

Sonia King at West DeanStudents will work on their own projects with ample individual attention, dealing with issues that relate to their specific  work. However, all are invited into the discussions so there is a high level of learning from each other’s specific situations. Additionally there are group discussions and lectures on a variety of topics including design considerations when using multiple materials, cutting techniques, etc. A group review at the end focuses on problems solved and lessons learned.

West Dean

Located in SouthEast England and 12 miles from the coat, West Dean is internationally known for its programs in visual arts and conservation. The 6400 acre estate features exceptional gardens for an inspiring and peaceful stay.

For more information or to register for either session, click here.

Images from previous workshops at West Dean are here.

More about Sonia King here.

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Portraits in Serbia with Andjelka Radojevik, June 2013

17 Jan

Mosaic Retreat: SerbiaDetails; Portraiture
with Andjelka Radojevik
June 1 – 9, 2013
June 15 – 27, 3013
€ 2100 – 2700

Andjelka Radojevik WorkshopsJoin Serbian artist Andjelka Radojevik for one of two upcoming workshops in the Balkans and Belgrade, Serbia. Workshops are designed to combine studio instruction with an introduction to Andjelka’s beautiful homeland —  safe, fabulous food, and widely English-speaking.

“I teach the indirect method, and offer strong direction to enable you to make your best mosaic ever. At the same time, I would like to make it a relaxing and joyful workshop, full of memorable moments. I’ll respect if you would like to have more privacy and more free time. I’ll be available for you 24 hours daily not only as a teacher, but as a friend too!”

Details, June 1 – 9, will focus on lips, an eye, or a small bird

Portraiture, June 15 – 27, will include a full facial image.

Andjelka Rodovejik Workshop“I will assist you in choosing a drawing. The mosaic materials I prefer for this class are natural stone and ceramics. We will use smalti for small details; however, students are welcome to bring their own smalti or gold should they wish to use more. Workshops begin at 9:00 am and end at 5:30 PM. Coffee and lunch breaks are provided. The agenda is not fixed on excursion days.

If a student cannot finish their mosaic on time, they will receive all the necessary material and instruction to finish their mosaic at home.

The workshops will consist of practical and theoretical elements with plenty of examples. The number of students is 1 – 6 max. Friends and family are welcomed. Please, contact me for more details.”

Andjelka Radojevik WorkshopPrices:

Details Workshop, June 1 – 9, 2013
€2100
Surcharge for a Companion: 900 Euro
€500  Deposit is Required upon Registration. Balance is Due upon Arrival.

Portrait Workshop, June 15 – 27, 2013
€2700
Surcharge for a Companion: 1200 Euro
€500  Deposit is Required upon Registration. Balance is Due upon Arrival.

Rate includes:

  • All necessary mosaic material: natural stone, ceramics and smalti for details, nippers, hammer, incus, tweezers.
  • Transfers from/to the airport.
  • Accommodation in Vrnjacka Spa (central Serbia, the most beautiful spa in the Balkans, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) during summer season). Accommodation will be provided in Villa Mignon Hotel, plus two nights in Belgrade.
  • Three meals per day and non alcoholic drinks.
  • Belgrade sightseeing (the World’s largest Orthodox Christian church – Saint Sava’s Temple; Kalemegdan fortress; Saint Paraskeva mosaic church; Prince Michael Street, etc).
  • Visit to mausoleum of the Serbian Royal Dynasty – Oplenac, representing one of the largest mosaic surfaces in the World (38.000 sq ft).
  • Visits to the most beautiful Serbian restaurants.

Rate Does Not Include:

  • Air Fare
  • Spa Treatments
  • Telephone Costs
  • Gold Smalti (arrangements can be made at an additional cost)
  • Car Rental
  • Tips
  • Alcoholic Drinks
  • Visa Expenses (Please, determine in advance if you will need a visa; if so, I can help)
  • Travel Insurance

Andjelka Radojevik Workshop

Additional Information:

Learn more about Andjelka and Serbian hospitality here or here.

Fore more information or to register, contact Andjelka here.

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Sourcing Local Stone Retreat: May, August 2013

14 Nov

Note: May Retreat is 3/4 Full!

Mosaic Retreat: Pennsylvania
What Lies Beneath Our Feet:
Sourcing and Working with Local Stone
with Rachel Sager
May 17 – 20, 2013
August 18 – 23, 2013

Rachel Sager Mosaic Art RetreatsJoin award-winning and internationally exhibited mosaic artist, Rachel Sager Lynch, in her journey into the magic of sourcing local Southwestern Pennsylvania stone and turning it into elegant tesserae, the building blocks of mosaic. This 5 day intensive will cover building a sturdy substrate, mixing and applying high-quality thin-set mortar, cutting with hammer and hardie, the classic tool of the Italian mosaic maestros, learning the nuances of andamento, the flow and pathways of mosaic. The field trip part of the workshop will include Rachel’s singular process of hunting and gathering for her material. This will be a challenging but also contemplative workshop and students will learn valuable cutting skills along with mosaic philosophy. You will leave with a 12” x 12” mosaic but more importantly you will take home specific knowledge of an ancient medium translated into a contemporary format.

Rachel Sager Mosaic Art RetreatsMaterials: Students are asked to bring work clothes, good walking shoes for field trips, an apron, safety glasses, and a stone hammer and hardie if possible. If you are serious about learning to work with stone, you are highly encouraged to invest in the hammer for this class. If not, you will have to share with others. Contact Rachel for information on where to purchase hammer and hardie. Logs to set the hardie into will be ready for you when you arrive. Students are also invited to bring some stone from their own native areas for identification and experimenting.

Details:

Extended Weekend Workshop: May 17-20, 2013
Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Orientation
Saturday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Sunday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Monday: 9:00 – 2:00, Programming

Weeklong Workshop: August 18-23, 2013
Sunday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Orientation
Monday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Tuesday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Wednesday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Thursday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming
Friday: 9:00 – 5:00, Programming and Clean-Up
Saturday: 10:00 AM Check-Out

Lodging and Meals: Touchstone Center offers full room and board in residence halls or cabins. More information is available here.
Cost: May Workshop Fee will be $300 + $100 Materials Fee + Your Choice Lodging/Meal Plan
August Workshop Fee will be $500 + $100 Materials Fee + Your Choice Lodging/Meal Plan
Registration: Official registration and lodging selections will be available soon through Touchstone; however, students are strongly encouraged to pre-register directly with Rachel.

Rachel Sager Mosaic Art RetreatsMore About Rachel: Rachel Sager Lynch, a Fayette County native, works on the cutting edge of the contemporary mosaic fine art movement. Her work has been represented in cities throughout the U.S. and internationally and has been awarded multiple Bests of Show in juried exhibitions. Her Marcellus Shale Series stands as a true Pittsburgh success story and her work is collected with passion by private clients and corporations all over the world. Her time spent studying with Italian maestros has shaped her mosaic philosophy and she brings these classical techniques home to her native Southwestern PA with its sandstone, limestone, slate and coal seams.

Registration or More Information here.

Rachel Sager’s Website is here.

Touchstone Center’s website is here.

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Mosaic Intensive with Sonia King: Paros, Greece, 2013

6 Nov

*WAIT LIST ONLY

Mosaic Intensive: Greece
Working in White on the Greek Island of Paros
with Sonia King
June 17 – 21, 2013
$2375

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceJoin Sonia for an intensive five-day mosaic workshop on the sun-drenched island of Paros in Greece.  Paros is famous for the beautiful white marble that the ancient Greeks carved into statues like the Venus de Milo. We’ll take our inspiration from this amazing material and work all in whites, tone on tone. This will be a rare opportunity to enhance your mosaic skills in an inspiring and stimulating environment.

Sonia King Intensive GreeceCreating mosaic in a monochrome palette emphasizes the focus on cutting, laying style, reflectivity, scale and texture. Limiting possible decisions to the primary principles of mosaic offers learning opportunities that color can mask. Technically, there will be extensive inquiry into cutting techniques, methods of laying and broadening your skill set. The class specifically covers working with texture, scale, andamento and spacing; achieving effects through varied cutting and laying styles and/or mixed materials, working direct. There will be discussions about design, the complexity of working with more than one material, reflectivity and more. Most importantly, you’ll leave the workshop with an elevated sense of what mosaic is about, a new way of thinking about your work and the knowledge to enable you to push to the next level. Prior mosaic experience is recommended. Some white materials will be supplied. (A list of the supplied materials will be sent in advance so class participants can bring additional materials, or even additional colors, if they wish.)

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceThere will be an optional side trip on one day, by ferry, to the island of Delos to see ancient mosaics.  Participants may choose to come along or to remain in the studio working.  The atmosphere will be relaxed and there will be ample time for swimming and sunning on the beach steps away from our hotel.

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceThe course fee includes:
* Get-acquainted dinner on the evening before the workshop begins, June 16
* Individual instruction/coaching by Sonia, structured to meet each participant’s experience level and goals.
* Group discussions on the art of mosaic, cutting techniques, ergonomics, technical issues, the business of art, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies for design/implementation and more.
* Substrate, adhesive, marble and the use of a hammer/hardie. Bring your own hand tools. Participants may also want to bring additional materials to work with, such as glass, unglazed ceramic, smalti, beads, found objects, etc. More info on recommended tools and materials will be supplied.
* Optional day trip to visit ancient mosaics on the island of Delos with lunch and shopping opportunities on Mykonos
* Closing night dinner party, June 21

Not included:
* Transportation (airfares, ferries, taxis, etc.)
* Meals (other than breakfast at the hotel and the get-acquainted and closing dinners)
* Optional side trip to visit the ancient mosaics on island of Delos plus lunch & shopping on Mykonos

Mosaic Art Retreats GreeceSpace is limited so early registration is recommended.  Cost is $2,375 US. Ten participants are required for the class to be held. A deposit of $500 is required on booking and the class fills on a first-come basis. Balance of the fee is due by February 1st, allowing ample time for buying air tickets at the best price.  After February 1st, refunds will be given provided the opening is filled. (There is always a wait list so a refund is likely.) Refunds will be less any money transfer fees. Payment may be made by US $ checks, US $ wire transfer, Western Union or PayPal. (PayPal incurs a small percentage transaction fee)

Direct inquiries to Sonia.
Include contact info (name, address, phone, e-mail). As the workshop approaches, recommended tool information, details about materials and advice about logistics will be sent.

See images from the 2011 workshop on Paros

Click here for a flyer in PDF format for printing

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Mosaic Art Retreats: More Mexico 2013

27 Oct

Mosaic Art Retreats

What’s Up in Puerto Vallarta? SIX mosaic retreats at Hacienda Mosaico!

12/2 – 12/8, 2012 Carol Shelkin, Faces, Flowers & The Human Form in Mosaic

2/10 – 2/16, 2013 Woulterina “Riana” de Raad, Life-Size Mosaic-Covered Concrete Sculpture

2/17 – 2/23, 2013 Shug Jones, Fun with Figurative Mosaics

3/3 – 3/9, 2013 Susan Wechsler, Spirit Houses

5/5 – 5/11, 2013 Bonnie Fitzgerald, Large-Scale Mosaic Murals

Read more about Hacienda Mosaico here.

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All About Costa Rica

8 Oct

Mosaic Retreat: Costa Rica
Flora & Fauna
Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode
November 23 – December 1, 2013
$1960

The smallish country of Costa Rica is BIG with heart-thumping nouns: Rainforest; Jungle; Puma; Volcano; Rapids; Blue Morpho; Cloud Forest; Waterfalls; Toucan; Lava, Strangler Fig.

The numbers-story goes like this:

  • 19,700 square miles, ranking 129th in landmass worldwide, and, closer to home, about the size of West Virginia or Denmark.
  • 801 miles of curvy coastline on the Pacific; 132 miles fronting the Caribbean, much of which is inaccessible by car.
  • Elevation ranges from 0 – 12,530 feet above sea level
  • 12 distinct ecosystems
  • Within only .25% of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica hosts 5% of the world’s biodiversity
  • Constitutionally abolished its army in 1949, and is one of the world’s 22 longterm stable democracies
  • In 2012 Costa Rica is scheduled to become the first country on the continent of the Americas to ban recreational hunting
  • In 2007, the government announced an initiative to become the first carbon-neutral country by 2021
  • Literacy rate of 94.9%
  • 11 degrees North of the Equator, with a tropical climate determined by elevation

Impressive? Absolutely! But numbers pale up against the visual stimulation of this land filled with gentle people and wild nature. Below is a little gallery of photos from my trips to Costa Rica over the last 13 years. Click on the first image to flip through paradise in larger format.

Get up close with us in Costa Rica — what better place to capture the splendor of quirky and art-inspiring  flora and fauna?

Read Retreat Description here.

Read about Pam’s Virgin Trip to Costa Rica here.

Contact us here.

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Mosaic Retreat in Costa Rica: November 2013

8 Oct

Mosaic Retreat: Costa Rica
Flora & Fauna
Carol Shelkin and Pam Goode
November 23 – December 1, 2013
$1960

Join us in the jungles of Costa Rica to work fauvist portraiture magic on local flora and fauna. Whether you’re drawn to the lush foliage and floral exotics of the rainforest or the brilliance of toucans, macaws, the Blue Morpho butterfly, or beady-eyed tree frogs, we’ll spend a week creating mosaic “portraits” of Costa Rican beauties.

We’ll explore forest paths, gardens, and sanctuaries on our first day, allowing ample time to capture the photographic images that make your heart go pittypat. We’ll then work to simply images for mosaic via photo editing and collage techniques. The rest of the week will be yours to work with the group or alone, with optional daily instruction, demos, and personal attention.

We’ll also schedule a free day for adventure activities, as well as one or two shorter excursions. At the top of the list will be a visit to nearby Arenal Volcano, as well as a good soak in the local hot springs.

Accommodations will be at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge, an eco-lodge and organic farm situated in a private rainforest preserve adjacent to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. The lodge includes 7 rooms with bath and wrap-around porches, plus individual or family garden cabinas, pool, jacuzzi, and spa with a wide range of treatments available. Daily organic meals prepared onsite by a Slow Food Movement chef will be included. Special Request meals can be accommodated. All rooms are single accommodations with one queen bed. A very limited number of double accommodations may be available. Please contact for pricing if a spouse wishes to join you.

$1,960 price includes arrival and return shuttle for our group from San Jose Airport to Finca Luna Nueva (New Moon Farm), accommodations for seven nights (Saturday – Saturday), seven breakfasts, five lunches, and five dinners, one guided farm tour, one guided rainforest tour, six days of instruction including one-on-one time, and Welcome Reception. Students will be responsible for bringing materials, tools, and substrates. Optional activities at an extra cost include guided Arenal Volcano Lava Hike, two lunches and dinners in town, Butterfly Garden or Cloud Forest Tours, Zipline Canopy Tour, Rafting, or Hanging Bridge Canopy Tour. One day will be set aside for On Your Own Adventures. Airfare, local transportation (excluding airport shuttle), optional tours, alcohol and gratuities are not included in the trip cost. Class is limited to 12 participants.

Room selections will be made in order of full payments received.

Average high in November is 82; average low is 68.

For a tentative daily schedule or more information, please email Pam.

For more information about Carol Shelkin, please visit Carol’s website, or Carol’s class description.

For more information about Pam Goode, please visit Pam’s website or business page.

To register, please email Pam with name and contact info. Deposit of $500 (1/2) may be made through PayPal or by check. Payment in full must be completed by October 1, 2013.

Cancellation and refund policy:
All cancellations are subject to a 20% handling fee. For reservations cancelled 90 days or more before workshop, 50% is refundable. If cancelled less than 60 days before the workshop, 25% is refundable. If cancelled less than 45 days before the workshop, fee is non-refundable.

Should any workshop/retreat be canceled the entire amount paid will be refunded within fourteen days after the tour’s cancellation. Instructors have no obligation regarding any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations. Instructors and Finca Luna Nueva Lodge accept no liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket or for canceled flights.

Travel Insurance
It is strongly recommended that all workshop participants purchase Trip Cancellation, Emergency Medical Evacuation, Baggage, Accident and Medical insurance from a reputable insurance company.

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Get Out

30 Sep

One of the biggest problems I have when it comes to creating is getting OUT of my own head. Schedules, an ever-expanding To Do list with far too few check marks, voices reminding me of imminent emergencies that always take precedence over creative time (sigh . . . I can’t finish that book/painting/quilt/journal when this toaster clearly needs washing!) and day-to-day necessities (food and the occasional shower) crowd my brain and pull a veil of shetland wool over any creative urges that long to see the light of day.

My solution to getting out of my own repetitious agenda is to get OUT of my head by getting OUT of my house. Even walking to the mailbox on the corner or driving for a spin through a few distant neighborhoods is enough to reset the gears and give my creative side a little voice. Oooh, look at the colors in that tree! Wow, I had no idea this park was here. I wonder where this path leads? The sound of the birds replaces my routine inner humming; the curve of a petal resets my spacial imaginings; a pop of chartreuse refracts possibilities through my eyes.

But the best recharging I do is through travel. I long to get far enough away from myself and my neural travel paths to reset everything inside me. I love wandering through a country with new eyes, particularly when my grasp of the language is timid enough to keep me mostly silent and watching, alert for nuances and glimpses into other cultures, other ways of being. Exploring new places is always fun, but the complete makeover of SAME OLD ME is life-giving. Suddenly everything is new — unfamiliar recipes tickle the palate; regional patterns and colors excite and inspire; vistas across the Italian countryside parallel a sense of endless possibility; cultural curiosities encourage you to go deep inside to pull your own mysteries into your art.

Grab a backpack or the Louis Vuittons, book that ticket, and get out. Dive into the unfamiliar and let it envelop and transform you. I guarantee you two things: a new outlook and a heap of inspiration.

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