China secrets
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Taking on the role of Mosaic China Whisperer, I coaxed a plate (very, very tough one) to let me score and nip it and then explore it's inner beauty......I bet these plates could tell story or two. Even if they screamed "pick me! pick me!" at the second hand shops etc no-one would really want them. Scratched, banged up, awful faded pattern....I am so pleased that I can rescue these plates and give them a new home amongst the mosaics in my studio. I treasure them and am so gleeful; they often cost "about nothing" and they hold a secret for mosaic artists......
When you look beyond, oft you are rewarded. Let go of mosaic hangups and free yourself to discover the tesserae that is around you. Mix it with the rest and be prepared to be excited.
Want to know more? Articles and photos coming soon to MOSI Online Mosaic School - or attend an advanced Mosaic Workshop at OzMosaics.
If you want your mosaics to stand out from the crowd and not blend in with what's "popular" you need to go out on a plate rim or too and this is not about smashing plates, this is about a tesserae you may have missed in your journey.
It's very exciting, raw and encourages you to explore. And why stop at plates..... You never know till you give it a go. My students know that you need to feel the china, caress it, explore it, know it, listen to it, encourage it to get a true mosaic performance, whether 2D or 3D - you are handling something special that has had many emotions poured out, whether the best pumpkin soup, a caring cup of tea, a healthy breakfast or a tray of lamingtons,......if the cups could tell the stories; the tea towel fights, the late night suppers, grannies tea parties, gossip, love, hate, relationships;;; hmmmmmmmmmm
PS I have been entranced with china and found objects since my first mosaic. Mixing tesserae has always been a passion but it's not a case of plonk into grout and grout or whatever, it's seeing something else in what's facing you. Years ago, I found there is more than meet's the eye in objects other than smalti, stone and stained glass, vitreous glass tiles etc. It's so awesome to be able to have it all, the mosaic world is your oyster and your art is the pearl.
Recycle, reuse, relove, reveal. New things are old immediately, to have no mosaic bounds.
