Art practice pieces it together

TILE your way to a new hobby by trying mosaic making at the Linton Community Hub.

Mosaic artist Julie Mackay is set to lead weekly workshops in tesserae in the craft room on Wednesday mornings and said participants can start whatever project they like.

“I’ve worked with ceramic and glass tiles in different colours and textures, stones, 22 rifle ammunition casings, and some people even use sea glass and gemstones,” she said.

“But people can work their way up to make all sorts of things, like artwork to hang up in a frame, a splashback for their house, or individual pavers for a bit of interest in their garden.

“I’m doing pots at the moment. I’ve made some mosaic house numbers. There are heaps of things you can do. Once you get into it, you are only limited by your own lack of imagination.”

Mackay said she expects those giving the meditative practice a go for the first time will enjoy letting out some creative energy.

“When people mosaic, they are fully focused, and they don’t concentrate on anything else,” she said.

“Those that have any problems in their life can focus on tesserae for a couple of hours, and it will take them away for a moment.”

Beginning her mosaic practice in winter last year, Mackay said she found a hobby she loves, and others asked her to run a class.

The workshops are free, but she encourages attendees to bring along their own tiles and equipment, and suggests they could begin by decorating a small, 30-centimetre diameter ceramic pot.

“Medium-sized pots are great too as there is a little bit more space to work on,” she said.

“Bunnings has a reasonable range of small ceramic tiles from about 90 cents each in different sizes and colours, and a craft section with glass tiles, beads, and various things.”

An information session will run on Wednesday, 24 May, and those interested can begin the weekly course from the following Wednesday, 31 May. The workshops will run from 10am to 12pm.

Express interest by contacting [email protected].