September Sculpture Workshop

In September, Piece by Piece participant artists learned how to make a 3D substrate from scratch, using a polystyrene ball, fiberglass mesh, and thinset mortar to create garden spheres. Teaching artist Julie Williams led the group in the fabrication of the spheres, then shared the techniques unique to working on a 3D surface. Participants developed their own designs and then teaching artist Ellen Dinerman led the group in the mosaic fabrication part of the project.

Working on a three-dimensional project has special challenges and rewards. “I learned that on a curved surface, you have to go with smaller pieces,” says artist John V. “That, and managing the adhesive is key.” For artist Kim, the process was a great new experience: “I really enjoyed making the sphere! For some reason, my cutting was better and everything just flowed easily. I liked the process.”

Artist Vicki talked about the differences she saw in working with two-dimensional vs three-dimensional: “When it’s 2D, you can see the whole surface. With a sphere, you can’t see the whole thing, which makes it interesting as you keep turning to see what’s next.”

The themes each month at Piece by Piece help guide our workshops through inspiration and experimentation. Working in three dimensions has brought a whole new perspective to many of the participant artists. Look for some of their mosaic spheres on our website for sale!

Sign up for our newsletter

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Read More Blog Posts

  • Recycled Materials Are the Focus for April’s Workshops

    Recycled Materials Are the Focus for April’s Workshops

    In April, Program & Artistic Director Dawn Mendelson led a series of workshops focused on pique assiette, a form of mosaic making use of a myriad of rejected materials that have found their ultimate purpose in the hands of artists.
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month

    Mosaic art, in particular, offers a unique way to promote mental wellness. Through the process of assembling various pieces, participants experience a sense of focus and concentration that helps to quiet the mind and alleviate stress.
  • AAPI Heritage Month: A Rich Tradition in Mosaic Arts

    AAPI Heritage Month: A Rich Tradition in Mosaic Arts

    As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, it is important to recognize the diverse and vibrant cultures that make up this community. One aspect of AAPI culture that often goes unrecognized is the rich tradition of mosaic arts.