mosaic classes // with helen bodycomb

Helen Bodycomb is one of Australia's foremost teachers and contemporary practitioners of Mosaic, with post graduate qualifications in fine art and training in Australia and Italy (Spilimbergo). A full time Mosaicist for 17 years, Helen is regarded as an authority on the contemporary application of this ancient medium, teaching in Australia and the USA (Society of American Mosaic Artists conferences and The Chicago Mosaic School, in 2008 and 2010.)
Helen's studio is in the beautiful central Victorian goldfields town of Castlemaine; a vibrant regional arts centre an easy 1.5 hour drive or train ride from Melbourne. Her spacious and well equipped studio with an excellent mosaic library is located within the inspiring Lot 19 Artists' Collective.

Following a series of highly successful workshops in 2009, Helen has just scheduled just three workshops for 2010.
Registration forms for these classes may be obtained by emailing Helen on helen@hbmosaics.com.
Course fees include GST, studio tuition, class notes, gourmet lunch and wine/tea/coffee both days, use of tools, adhesives and grout. Strictly 8 people per class.

LARGE SCALE MOSAICS

Sat 15/Sun 16 May 2010
9.30 - 4 pm

Fresh from delivering a shortened version of this course at the annual SAMA (Society of American Mosaic Artists) conference in Chicago USA in March 2010, Helen will explore a range of issues including: spatial comprehension, understanding how the mosaic is to be viewed/utilised, assessing and preparing your substrate, cartooning techniques and image enlargement, a range of off-site mosaic construction techniques, budgeting for bigger projects, physical safety and how to keep your marbles together right to the end. Recommended for those with ambition and some experience.

PICASSIETTE

Sat 5 June / Sun 6 June 2009
9.30 - 4pm

Picassiette or stolen plate mosaics are those made using pieces of broken crockery. The French mosaic artist Raymond Isidore created the most spectacular example – La Maison Picassiette using 15 tons of crockery to cover his house over 30 years. Be inspired by his example and learn how to make your own mosaic monstrosity. BYO crockery (preferably not stolen). Suitable to beginners and experienced mosaicists.

GARDEN MOSAICS

Sat 13 Nov / Sun 14 Nov 2010
9.30 - 4 pm

Spring into spring and make some inspired mosaics for the garden. Learn about technical issues for exterior mosaics, including water immersed mosaics and how to introduce colour and movement into your garden. BYO tiles and something to mosaic onto. Suitable to beginners and experienced mosaicists.

Comments from previous students

“A great course – good food and good fun – thanks”
“Had a thoroughly great time”
“Very enjoyable, very inspiring and informative”
“Helen’s relaxed attitude was very encouraging in allowing freedom to work at your own pace and style, yet she was always available for her guidance and tuition”
“Yes, had a wonderful time, Helen’s patience and explanations were very clear”