Ceramic Murals on Wediboard with Deb Aldo

Workshop Description

Design & Composition, Andamento & Precision Cutting with Visiting Artist Deb Aldo

In this class we will guide you through the process of design and fabrication a ceramic mural. We will be working with Cinca Unglazed Porcelain Ceramic tile, thin set adhesive on Wediboard substrate. Using ceramic tesserae; the focus will be on good design. Learn the different properties of glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles. Their beauty and durability is without question: But how do you know they are rated for your application (exterior vs interior, floor vs wall)? Cutting and fitting ceramic exactly as your design dictates requires skill. There will be hands on instruction to hone your cutting and fitting skills by working with templates showing examples of andamento, from these, you will create small practice maquettes.

Cohesive design and pleasing composition are integral to successful art. We’ll review multiple aspects of design such as positive and negative space, overlapping objects, and methods of composition. Color theory principles, including hue, saturation and shading will also be discussed. You will learn to choose an effective composition style for your subject matter. Use the best andamento to feature your big idea, while avoiding visual competition between the subject and the background.

You will sketch out a SIMPLE mural design and begin executing a small section of it in ceramic, using Wediboard as substrate. Wediboard is an ultra-lightweight all-weather substrate which consists of Styrofoam encased in mesh and cement. Tricks for working with Wedi’s edges and hanging options will also be covered.  You will not work on the full sized mural during class, but a small portion of it. Should you not finish your mosaic maquettes during the workshop we will send you home with enough supplies to finish independently.

Please bring ceramic hand tools and nippers, tweezers, spatulas and hammer & hardies if you have them. This mosaic class offers both hands on work and lecture. Come with questions and be prepared to take notes from the PowerPoint Presentation (bring pencil and notebook). During class everyone will have both one-on-one instruction and group instruction.

Deb Aldo is a certified teaching artist in the state of Connecticut as well as a member of the New England Consortium of Artist-Educator Professionals. She has been teaching art for over 20 years. Deb’s exterior and interior installations can be found across the country, to learn more about Deb and to see more of her beautiful work visit her website www.pietreduredesign.com

All levels welcome. Mosaic experience helpful but not necessary.

Workshop Details

Tuition: $250 • Supplies Fee: $65

Workshop Date/Time:

May 5 & 6, 2012 Weekend Workshop, 10 am – 4 pm both days