Bend, Fold and Undulate with Marian Shapiro

Unfolding by Marian Shapiro

Australian mosaic artist Marian Shapiro is well known for her use of three-dimensional, hand-formed substrates, often giving the illusion of flowing material. Join her in this practical, fun, hands-on session and discover how to make your own lightweight, dimensional, hand-formed substrates suitable for indoors or outdoors. The session begins with an inspirational presentation, giving examples of Marian’s work using this method plus that of students who have taken this course. Then, working with fiberglass mesh and thinset, you create a free form wall-hanging substrate of your own design. Flat, folded, or undulating – or a combination of all three.  You make the first stage during the workshop and complete it in your own time afterward.

Marian will demonstrate the finishing steps so that you have the skills and confidence to finish off your own project. There will also be a discussion and demonstration of other applications of this technique.

There is no actual mosaicking in this class but extensive discussion of design concepts, as well as issues to be taken into account when applying mosaic to a 3-D form are an integral part of the workshop. We focus on process and at the end of the session you have a substrate of your own design, plus a thorough understanding of the method and have the confidence to experiment with the technique and make it your own.

Students are actively encouraged to ask questions. Full, illustrated course notes will be provided beforehand electronically. This session is suitable for all levels but will particularly benefit those who wish to extend their artistic practice by moving beyond the flat surface.  Students will provide their own materials and Marian will email participants beforehand to give them a detailed materials list and information about the day.  

Adopted Australian, Marian Shapiro has been working full time in mosaic since becoming obsessed with the art form in 2003. She is fond of a visual pun and is probably best known for her dimensional works which give the illusion of flowing material.  Her artwork is shown and collected nationally and internationally. Marian has been teaching mosaics since 2008 and is widely sought after as a teacher and speaker both in Australia and abroad.   Her teaching style is highly participative, and she works with small groups to ensure that all participants benefit fully.  Students gain practical, usable skills and techniques that they can develop after the course and integrate into their own practice.  Presentations give inspiration and information and full written notes accompany each workshop.  dariandesign.com.au