Tag Archives: Sonia King

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.

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