MASS Visitors
Visiting Artist from Melbourne: Helen Harman
'Creating a Sculpture' & 'Working with Minerals' Weekend Workshop
Date: August 24th, 25th & 26th, 2012
Helen Harman's Workshop was split into two workshop days. On the Saturday session, students learnt how to create their own wire and cement armature. Their sculpture bases were specifically created for outdoor use, and could be completed with a mosaic finish.
On the Sunday session, students learnt all about working with minerals and semi-precious stones. Helen brought over lots of her supplies and students learnt the tips and techniques to incorporating unique materials into their mosaics.
On the Sunday session, students learnt all about working with minerals and semi-precious stones. Helen brought over lots of her supplies and students learnt the tips and techniques to incorporating unique materials into their mosaics.
To learn more about Helen, visit her Artopia Mosaics website.
To see more photos from the workshop, visit our Facebook.
To see more photos from the workshop, visit our Facebook.
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Artist Talk with Julie Richey
Free event for MAANZ Members
Date: June 3rd, 2011
Free event for MAANZ Members
Date: June 3rd, 2011
Texas mosaic artist Julie Richey has been creating custom mosaics for residential, commercial and public spaces for more than 20 years. In her upcoming presentation, "20 Years, 10 Projects, 30 Lessons Learned," she'll share with us the discoveries, techniques, mishaps and insights gleaned from working with clients ranging from an international airport construction firm and a wealthy rancher, to a billionaire's widow and the Catholic Church. You'll see work in progress photos as Julie shares tips and hints to increase your confidence in the studio; the secrets of dealing with difficult clients, and the inspiration behind her award-winning mosaic sculptures.
For more information about Julie, visit her website.
For more photos from the Artist Talk with Julie night: visit the MASS Facebook
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Interview with Mia Schweickert
Mia Schweickert is a middle school art teacher from Florida, USA.
She has been working with MASS during her visit to Australia.
Nola:
Hi Mia, welcome to MASS. Can you first tell me where are you from?
Mia:
Hello Nola, I'm half German and half Italian, but I was born and raised in Florida, USA.
Nola:
How did you get into mosaic art making?
Mia:
My first experience with mosaics was through working with Michele Petno of Mozaic Arts, Inc. She runs workshops in her mosaic studio in Orlando, and I worked as her assistant. Her website is: http://www.mozaicarts.com/
I enjoy working with ceramics, and I found that mosaics really complimented the style of my ceramic works.
Nola:
How do you incorporate mosaics into your ceramic works? Do you make your own mosaic tiles?
Mia:
Yes, I make my own tiles all the time! I work with slabs, using a low fire and bright vibrant coloured shapes.
The focal point of my work is usually made of clay, and i'll mosaic around the main element of the work.
Nola:
What are you doing here in Australia? Is this your first visit here?
Mia:
This is actually my forth visit to Australia, I love it here! I'm currently taking a break from teaching - I was working as an art teacher in middle school in Orlando.
While I love teaching art, facilitating and helping others to tap into their creativity, I wanted a break from the busy school routine and explore different spaces to see what else could unfold for me.
Nola:
That's great - and what's been your best Australian experience on this trip?
Mia:
I went snorkling at Ningaroo Reef in Western Australia again, I visited the reef on my last trip here as well. It's relatively undiscovered, and is so beautiful - we were about 20 metres off shore and saw sea turtles and sharks!
Nola:
You've been working with MASS for a couple weeks now, assisting with the Goulburn Youth Week mosaic work. How has that experience been for you?
Mia:
I've really enjoed my short time here, it's a very creative space to be in.
I love having the chance to experience Australia's natural beauty again, and i'm happy to be taking a break from my busy routine back home. I consider my time here at MASS as an artistic revival... a rebirth for my creativity.
