Mosaic - Design, Inspiration…and Smalti
Martin Cheek's recent courses in Sydney had it all!

 

 

It was a rare opportunity to learn first hand from the UK's foremost mosaic artist, Martin Cheek, and the workshops did not disappoint. In September 2002 Martin was in Sydney teaching two workshops with Nola Diamantopoulos from Mosaic Madness.

Using slides, Martin discussed the early history of mosaic, from the first Greek and Roman examples, through to the stunning sixth century mosaics at Ravenna in Italy. Seeing them through his eyes was a revelation, understanding how artists of the time actually worked, and how the materials available affected what they produced. Then, using examples of his own mosaics produced over the last twenty years, he brought to life the different mosaic terms - eg. Andamento, Opus vemiculatum, opus musivum etc. He was disarmingly honest, and pointed out what he saw to be flaws in his early work, emphasising how important it is just to do it, and learn from your mistakes. Lesson Number One!

Martin discussed his personal sources of inspiration, and how important it is to open your eyes and look around. For Martin, nature provides the greatest source of inspiration for his mosaics, from zoos and parks, to fruit markets, along with churches, museums, and illustrated nature books. When you start looking at things with a graphic mosaic design in mind, everything changes. Lesson Number Two.

Martin reviewed the designs the students had prepared, and emphasised the importance of contrast (in colour, tone, materials, and texture), detail (eg. Getting the eyes right) and colour choice. Simplicity of line is key. (Lesson Number Three!). Every student made a mosaic using smalti, the hand made glass tiles from Venice, renowned for their brilliant colours. Martin was genuinely impressed by the calibre of the work, and also the knowledge of the participants. If proof were needed that mosaic is coming of age in Australia, here it was.

Some of the work done by the participants at the workshops is shown here on the left, above and below.

For more information about Martin Cheek, see http://www.cheekmosaics.com