It's a Challenge
Yes, we are living in challenging times, but you can be relieved to know that I’m not going to talk about that in this post! Today I’m going to talk about challenges in mosaic making.
Let’s start with a short definition of the word challenge. The word challenge can be used as a transitive verb - “to arouse or stimulate, especially by presenting with difficulties” and as a noun - “a stimulating task or problem” or “an invitation to compete in a sport”.
Over the past few years I’ve taken part in a number of mosaic challenges. In most cases these challenges definitely presented some difficulties for me and they were all the result of an invitation to take part (I wouldn’t say we saw it as a competition and I also don’t think we would refer to mosaics as a sport!).
My first mosaic challenges were with two fellow mosaic artists, Elma Harder and Liz Calvin. One of us would prepare a bag of identical materials for all three and each of us would set out to create a mosaic using those materials. I prepared the materials for the first challenge. The bags consisted of pieces of granite and rusty bits I’d collected from the beach. We agreed the maximum size would be 10” x 10” and that at least 50% of the substrate had to be comprised of the granite and rusty pieces. Other than that it was wide open! Here are pictures of the three pieces we created. Isn’t it cool how different they all are?! Liz went with a 3D option, Elma added some of her own materials and filled the entire substrate. I added some gold smalti, but opted to leave part of the substrate with no tesserae.
Liz Calvin’s challenge mosaic
Elma Harder’s challenge mosaic
My challenge mosaic
Since the first one I have gone on to create many challenge pieces. We suggested the challenge idea to our BC Mosaic group and now many members of the group take on a challenge a couple of times a year. Some challenges have included using all blue tesserae, using all red tesserae, using the materials received from another member of the group, and the latest, using a tessera that we have never used before.
So why do a challenge? Sometimes it’s incredibly frustrating. I find myself working outside my comfort zone, with materials I wouldn’t necessarily choose and with restrictions that I don’t always like! And that’s the point. Challenges help you grow as an artist (and as a person). They call for problem-solving and creative thinking. They can help to push you to that next level. They can help you gain awareness and knowledge of materials you haven’t used before. There are many benefits. And believe it or not, it can even be fun!
So try it! If you are part of a group, see if others will join in. But you can also just challenge yourself. For example, when I do the mosaic faces such as “Cheeky Girl”, I challenge myself to use only vintage china. It helps to limit my choices, which if you have seen my studio, is a good thing! Sometimes we can become paralyzed by choice. Challenging yourself to use only limited materials, only one colour, try a specific style, etc. is a great way to move forward as an artist. And it’s amazing how often you will be happy with the finished result. Go figure.
Study in Blue
In this challenge we were to use blue tesserae only.
In this one, the challenge was to use only red tesserae.
This challenge was to use a material we had not used before. That in itself was a challenge for me because I use everything! But while walking on the beach one morning, I realized I’d never made a mosaic using driftwood. I added some rusty bits and some gold and my Driftwood Fish was born.
“I like the challenge of trying different things and wondering whether it’s going to work or whether I’m going to fall flat on my face.
- Johnny Depp”