We caught up with Emma as she was about to launch her 3-day Mosaic Summer School, an invitation for students to give themselves some time to slow down and gently explore their creative potential through making mosaics using loose line design and moment by moment mosaic process. Taking place at the River Room in beautiful Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, this idyllic location is close to wonderful options for accommodation and food for those students wanting to take a mosaic-inspired mini break with Emma providing her extensive experience, enthusiasm and guidance throughout.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I feel a deep appreciation for my early life, growing up in a super abundant garden, bursting with wondrous plants, flowers and bountiful blossoms. I learned from a young age how to meet with nature in her fullness of spirit.

Family life was coloured with complexity, tragedy and challenge.  I found great solace within the wholeness of garden space, which heightened my awareness of our deeply interconnected, cyclical nature.

Our bohemian home was full of floral interiors, antiques, unconventional ornaments and myriad curiosities, many of which continue to inspire and adorn my mosaic art today.

In my early twenties, I began exploring the process of making sculptural ceramics for many years at a local art school.  During that time, I was invited to join a weekend course making mosaics.  I loved the idea of working in instant colour and form. I meandered with the mosaic process and fell in love!

I later became artist in residence at a local historical house and spiritual centre, which offered courses, retreats and B&B.  People visited from all over the country and around the world, which enabled me to meet and explore with many colourful seekers.  At this time, my studio was the ground floor of a small 17th Century listed cottage in the grounds of the centre. The cottage looked out onto a wonderful walled garden, which I helped to care for, harvesting inspiration for my art.

 

Tell us about your workshop space

"Anything created by human beings is already in the great book of nature." - Antoni Gaudi

 

What do students learn on your courses?

The Mosaic Courses, PlayShops and Summer Schools I offer are all designed as supportive spaces where we embrace making mosaics using the direct method of application.  This ‘moment by moment’ process can greatly support us as we explore our creative potentiality and myriad mixed media materials.

A gentle place to come and unwind, relax, and have fun with other like-minded souls, reconnecting with our innate gifts through the process of making mosaics.

We will experiment with innovative ways of embracing the energy of colour to really enhance our mosaic, and also learn about the process of grouting and embellishing our mosaics.

 
One to one support is given throughout the day within a supportive, small group field (approximately 8 students). 

Let’s explore making Mosaics together  -  ‘Peace by Piece.’

Tell us about your team - pets are definitely considered part of the team!

 A beautiful dance of co-creation with all of Nature, guardian Angels, helping Spirits – especially cats!

 

Can you describe your life as a maker?

"Creation is the product of synchronising our energy with the universe. Once we experience the whole and recognise it, we become aware that we are nothing but the Divine Creative Force." - Rassouli

As I begin making mosaics I often just sit and start loosely nipping and cutting.  Inviting all the helping spirits into the process. Feeling into and aligning myself with little sparks of Angelic inspiration. Gently shaping each piece, listening from within my heart to the calling colours, miracles begin transpiring through mosaic metamorphosis.

I often use natural pigments to colour my cement and grout applications.  This creates depth and tonal effects which I find very pleasing.

‘Peace by Piece’ beauty emerging.  Sharing the joy and wonder of creative regeneration through the healing process of co-creating ‘Memorable Mosaics.’

Do you still craft in your spare time, when you're not teaching?

What crafts do you love other than the craft you teach?

Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration professionally? 

Nature is my greatest inspiration and teacher above everything! 

"I had to create an equivalent for what I felt about what I was looking at - not copy it." - Georgia O'Keeffe

What advice would you give to other people looking to teach their art? 

 

What is the most memorable or funny thing to happen on one of your courses? 

When my daughter was young she used to come with me at the weekends when I was offering mosaic courses at various art schools in my local area.  She has always been very curious, and I remember once she was having a rummage through the collection of old china we had to use in our mosaic projects that day, while I was opening the space with the group.  I became aware that she was desperately trying to get my attention from across the room, but I decided to continue with the class introduction, as I had always asked her to please wait patiently for me to complete this before she asked me questions etc.