May 2014 Newsletter
Inspirational Stories
I discovered Ilana Shafir, an inspirational mosaic artist, whose story resonated with me. I love the materials of mosaic: the colours, textures and shapes: and it is these that inspire me to create. I often start with the materials and let the project evolve because it is the materials that draw me in.
As Ilana said: "the point of beginning is the material itself. You choose something that is speaking to you. This is the big point to learn: that everything has its emanating strength or power, and it influences the one who is next to it."
Ilana's mosaic work is just fantastic as is her story. As one critic wrote: "Each work contains an incredible variety of unique pieces - glowing chunks of coloured glass; rocks cracked open to their inner mysteries; textured ceramic objects - whose connections and arrangement somehow achieve wholeness."
As Ilana said: "the point of beginning is the material itself. You choose something that is speaking to you. This is the big point to learn: that everything has its emanating strength or power, and it influences the one who is next to it."
Ilana's mosaic work is just fantastic as is her story. As one critic wrote: "Each work contains an incredible variety of unique pieces - glowing chunks of coloured glass; rocks cracked open to their inner mysteries; textured ceramic objects - whose connections and arrangement somehow achieve wholeness."
To read the full article on Ilana Shafir go to: http://www.3200stories.org/blog/post/encounter-with-an-artist-ilana-shafir
Photo Draw
Congratulations to Alejandra Soto from Henderson - the winner of $20 worth of tiles for sending in a photo of her beautiful butterfly mosaic.
Up Coming Classes
Satisfy an ambition to express your creativity with a fabulous, non threatening mosaic class. A class is a great way to experience a taste of mosaic with an experienced, friendly tutor to guide you each step of the way. I would love it if you could join me.
The next classes will be:
Pt Chevalier - 17th May, 9.30 - 4.30
Waiuku - 24th May, 9.30 - 4.30
I'm in the process of organising a class for July (no classes in June) on the North Shore, probably Northcote. Will keep you posted once I have more details.
If you would like to sign up for any of these classes just send me an email ([email protected]) or visit www.everythingmosaic.co.nz for all the details.
The next classes will be:
Pt Chevalier - 17th May, 9.30 - 4.30
Waiuku - 24th May, 9.30 - 4.30
I'm in the process of organising a class for July (no classes in June) on the North Shore, probably Northcote. Will keep you posted once I have more details.
If you would like to sign up for any of these classes just send me an email ([email protected]) or visit www.everythingmosaic.co.nz for all the details.
Mosaic Tips
Tweezers
A pencil with a piece of blutack is great for lifting or setting small tesserae. And you can use the other for fine adjustments. Saves searching for the elusive pair of tweezers and is a lot cheaper.
White Vinegar
Use white vinegar to clean off a freshly grouted mosaic. It is very mild and does a wonderful job of cleaning up. Just pour vinegar on a cloth and wipe clean. For more stubborn marks, dip a toothbrush in a small container of vinegar and scrub the area. Wipe away with a clean cloth then rinse clear with clean water. It is much less expensive than some commercially available cleaners.
Grout Sealer
Grout sealer can be used to protect a mosaic piece that will be in contact with liquids or that will be outside. Simply brush on with a small paintbrush and leave to dry.
The grout sealer can also be used to seal vitreous glass tiles before grouting. Dip a small paintbrush in the sealer and wipe the tops of the tiles. Leave the tiles for 24 hours before grouting. Care needs to be take not to allow the sealer to go between the tiles where the grout will be. To avoid this I often seal my vitreous glass tiles before I use them - just seems easier this way.
A pencil with a piece of blutack is great for lifting or setting small tesserae. And you can use the other for fine adjustments. Saves searching for the elusive pair of tweezers and is a lot cheaper.
White Vinegar
Use white vinegar to clean off a freshly grouted mosaic. It is very mild and does a wonderful job of cleaning up. Just pour vinegar on a cloth and wipe clean. For more stubborn marks, dip a toothbrush in a small container of vinegar and scrub the area. Wipe away with a clean cloth then rinse clear with clean water. It is much less expensive than some commercially available cleaners.
Grout Sealer
Grout sealer can be used to protect a mosaic piece that will be in contact with liquids or that will be outside. Simply brush on with a small paintbrush and leave to dry.
The grout sealer can also be used to seal vitreous glass tiles before grouting. Dip a small paintbrush in the sealer and wipe the tops of the tiles. Leave the tiles for 24 hours before grouting. Care needs to be take not to allow the sealer to go between the tiles where the grout will be. To avoid this I often seal my vitreous glass tiles before I use them - just seems easier this way.
