Mosaic gatherings

Some of Saturday’s gathering!

It was this little idea that I had many months ago, to gather students I have met through my Glittering Shards mosaic workshops and classes.

There have been many, and all so lovely. Some students have returned again and again and, really, they have become friends. There is something about sharing this creative journey that creates friendships and deep conversation…

And so it was that last Saturday, about 15 of us gathered in a comfy room at Mitcham Lane Baptist Church in Streatham, the site of the many mosaics in the Garden of Discovery.

Everyone came with mosaics underarm – their very first piece and subsequent pieces. All were laid out on a table and immediately, there was much ooooing and ahhhing!

Caroline talks about her mosaics

Caroline’s mosaic

It didn’t take a lot of facilitating on my part as everyone instinctively begun asking each other questions about materials, technique, process. For an hour we poured over mosaics, looking, listening and learning from each other…

Yvonne’s mosaic

Shirley’s mosaic

Most importantly, everyone talked about the inspiration of gathering, seeing mosaic works by others and the motivation that comes from that.

Kirsteen talks about the Garden of Discovery mosaics

We then wandered into the Garden of Discovery and the lovely Kirsteen Ritchie talked about her process of making the marvelous mosaics and received much deserved praise for the stunning outcome.

Lastly, we gathered inside as I gave a round up of newly discovered suppliers, tools and materials…some book inspiration and ideas for future workshops I intend to run, including Mindful Mosaics sessions which received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic response (big grin on my face!).

And then the conversation turned to why we mosaic…what makes it so special…so beneficial. What makes it more than just a medium. Once that conversation started, we could have sat for an age, such was the enthusiasm and energy that it created.

Our time came to an end but everyone agreed that we would meet again to inspire and support each other. I am so glad that I took the time to gather these lovely mosaic creatives and I am looking forward to what this small community of people will achieve together in the future.

Some of those who came to the Glittering Shards student reunion!