We will begin this workshop constructing three different kinds of dimensional substrates: Raised surfaces, undulating substrates, and hybrid applications.

The rest of the workshop will be spent studying the various possibilities of color work over dimensional substrates, mainly focusing on basic color mixing and color gradations where different planes converge; the optimal use of andamento language over uneven surfaces; and the merging of both in those liminal spaces. Participants will choose one of the substrates to fully develop, and if desired, take the others away to explore on your own having talked through the challenges and options in class.

Workshop fee:
$880
($860 if registering for any two workshops;
$820 if registering for all four workshops)
Materials & lunch are included. Please see note about smalti, below.

Design and composition principles are the bedrock of successful works. The understanding of them takes focus and practice. Line, balance, shape, focal points, rhythm, and more, are concepts we study and use as the basis for our design, supporting creative expression. But what if we just need to learn to see? What if good design is out there in the natural world and we just need to identify it? I believe most of us in creative fields have good instincts and a good eye, so we’re going to tackle design backwards, starting from something that already exists, and studying the design and composition principles inherent in it to really learn why the design works, what it is that we like about it, and what makes it good design. Once you understand the principles, and learn to make small adjustments that enhance compositions, you will be able to use that knowledge to create your own designs without crutches. Together we will look, examine, question, and adapt images, identifying all of the design principles present, and allowing them to serve as the basis for exciting abstract works using a multitude of materials.

Workshop fee:
$735
($715 if registering for any two workshops;
$680 if registering for all four workshops)
Materials & lunch are included.

As we see it, a lively inner dialog is an essential ingredient of successful mosaic design. We both teach that each line is a response to those around it, the shape of each tessera and its material qualities are always in conversation with its peers; dimension responds to the surrounding space; appearance and placement of texture and reflectivity are crucial, etc. These are some of the same things we are constantly assessing and deciding in our heads as we work, often automatically now, as a result of years of deep and constant query. But even so we only know what we know, what we already think, so the "but what if" interrogation must always continue.

As the two of us build a mosaic on-site together in real time we'll give literal voice to that inner dialog: respectfully questioning out loud one another's choices/decisions and endeavoring to articulate our own in the belief that exposing our varied ways of thinking will train us to question better, understand more, and fear less.

You'll be an active part of this design-thinking dialog as you create works in class, pushing beyond first assumptions and gently examining and articulating choices in order to keep your thinking fresh, advance your design skills, and ultimately shorten the gap between intent and successful achievement with every new work.

Workshop fee:
$745
($725 if registering for any two workshops;
$670 if registering for all four workshops)
Materials & lunch are included.