MARCELO DE MELO @ MOSAIKASHOP MAY 2015

Group 1 and 2 Workshop

Structural Mosaic with Marcelo de Melo

Workshop ‘Structural Mosaics’ [15 hours]

This workshop is aimed at those with a previous experience in mosaic making. Participants will be taught an advanced 3‐D technique that uses tesserae as structural elements. Here, mosaics are not merely applied to embellish or decorate surfaces. They also form an integral part of the structure of the work, contributing to its stability. The sculpture Running Rug is an example of a work created with this technique and was awarded the Juror’s Prize at the Earth Elements exhibition [SAMA & Miami‐Dade Community College] in Miami, 2003.

Day 1: Introduction to the structural 3d technique

 [4hs-10:30-3:30pm 30min for lunch]

I will explain the idea behind the structural works, and instruct the participants how to make the inner part of their sculpture.

Skills: measuring and cutting the wire mesh; building a shape; applying and priming the plaster; design planning.

Day 2: Pattern/Andamento/Applying Tesserae

[5hs-10:30-3:30pm 30min for lunch]

I will present options for transferring a pattern onto a curved surface. Also, I will explain how to work with tesserae on concave and convex areas and how to handle wet areas [3D work].

Skills: design transfer/marking; placing tesserae on curves surfaces; negotiating wet 3‐d structures and understanding tesserae as structural elements.

Day 3: Finishing off the Sculpture

 [5hs-10:30-3:30pm 30min for lunch]

On the 3rd day, the workshop will move from a generic to a more individualized approach. All the participants will have chosen different shapes and patterns to work with and I will start addressing projects on a 1‐to‐1 basis. I will help them to negotiate the remaining work load and coach all participants on finishing off the work.

Skills: deciding on colour and finishes [grouting or not the work] and finalizing the sculptures.

Notes: This workshop is designed for a maximum of 12 participants

>Suggested work size: 20 x 20 cm [2 sides = 40 x 40 cm total area]

>A certificate of participation will be provided at the end of the workshop.

>A $50 certificate will be provided by Mosaikashop for the purchase of smalti, marble, tumbled crockery and vitreous glass.

Price: 450$ per participant

The Structural Mosaic Technique is unique to me, Marcelo de Melo. I have developed it over a period of several years. It is delicate work and requires good coaching. Any participant with a basic skill in cutting tesserae can have a very rewarding experience during the workshop.

Examples of student works:

Group 3 Workshop

Mosaic Composition with Marcelo de Melo

mosaic by Marcelo de Melo

Workshop ‘Mosaic Composition’ [15 hours]

This workshop is aimed at those with a previous experience in mosaic making. It will explore formal elements of composition intrinsic to mosaic art such as inclination, fragmentation, modulation and repetition. It consists of a basic introduction [lecture] and a practical exercise involving composition with tesserae, textures and varied materials, which will be executed on hand‐formed cement substrate. The workshop ‘Mosaic Composition’ is an invaluable course for any mosaic artist interested in thinking their production as a means of artistic expression. At the end of the course, the participants will be able to further develop their own work in line with the international thinking on artistic mosaics and will receive a certificate of participation.

Day 1: Workshop Introduction

[5hs-10:30-3:30pm 30min for lunch]

I will explain what ‘formal elements of mosaic composition’ are, and focus on the idea of ‘modulation’ in mosaic work. I will instruct the participants how to make the cement based substrate. I will comment on pattern, tesserae, colours and andamento as well as choices of materials and tools. Skills: thinking “artistically”; measuring and cutting fiberglass mesh; mixing cement based adhesives and adding colour; building a substrate; selecting materials and planning the work load.

Day 2: Composition / Modulating Tesserae

[5hs-10:30-3:30pm 30min for lunch]

I will present options for working a diverse range of materials and ideas on how to consider the ‘formal elements of mosaic composition’ to strengthen the work’s narratives. Skills: preparing a ‘mood sample’ with materials; design planning; marking the substrate; placing tesserae on the substrate.

Day 3: Details and final touches / End of the Workshop

 [5hs-10:30-3:30pm 30min for lunch]

On day 3, all the participants might have chosen different types of materials and narratives to work with and I will start addressing projects on a 1‐to‐1 basis. I will help them to negotiate the work load to best suit their individual needs. I will also explain how to prepare the substrate for hanging. Closer to the end of the day, we will encourage participants to share their thoughts on the creative process and experience by talking about what they have produced. Skills: finalising the work, finishing off edges and details, analising the work and thinking the process.

Notes: This workshop is designed for 15 participants

 >Suggested work size: 35 x 35 cm

>A certificate of participation will be provided at the end of the workshop.

>A $50 certificate will be provided by Mosaikashop for the purchase of smalti, marble, tumbled crockery and vitreous glass.

It is delicate work and requires good coaching. Any participant with a basic skill in cutting tesserae can have a rewarding experience during the workshop.

Examples of student works:

mosaic by Ana Paula Pestana

mosaic by Iara Ione Valerio

mosaic by Rona Perzy

Price for Workshop1,2, or 3

Please take note that this class will be given in English.

450$ per participant

200$ Cash deposit required best before and no later than March 31

Reservations and questions: suzanne@mosaikashop.com or call me on (514) 582-7476. Since I deal with a lot with Mosaikashop please make sure you have read all the information carefully before asking any questions. We work hard to make it all as informative as possible!

Thank-you!

Suzanne