Project 3:

 

 

 

Theme: Engineering and canal structures.

 

Creative Techniques: Drawing as Design & Mosiac making, Video animation

Day 1:

 Today began with a short session talking about the canal as a whole – looking at the map of the entire length, the graphics and colours that gave the canal its own identity.

To begin thinking of ideas for our Mosaic we covered the whole table with paper and we all got stuck in with drawing all the things that inspired us about the canal system – brainstorming with oil pastels basically.  It worked really well working on such a large scale.  I think it gave people a sense of freedom and really being involved in the design process. 

Brain storming - hard at work on the design stage of teh Mosaic

Hard at work designing images for the Mosaic

'Fairbridge' in lettering inspired by fonts from the canal boats

I think this photo sums up the attention to detail the WHOLE group have given to the project

We then put this up on the wall and while Brian used the ideas to create the actual Mosaic design on MDF, the rest of the group worked with Paul on making 3D clay figures.  We completed this all by lunchtime and desrved a well earned break.

After lunch we began with a short introduction to the techniques and tools of Mosaic and got stuck in – breaking tiles, nipping off corners and with careful placement on the board  glued down the tiles in the correct design.  It sometimes seemed harder than you would imagine just to get a bunch of pieces of tiles to fit properly in a given shape – but that is the nature of Mosaic making.  Time consuming, challenging but when it all fits together – totally rewarding!!

After breaking tiles with a hammer careful nipping is needed to get the tile to fit just right.

The Team working on the Mosaic design - end of day 1

Once again I must commend the group for working so well together, for the support they showed each other (practically with the work, and morale boosting comments when needed) and the pride everyone took in doing their best work.

It was Lee’s (trainee OT) last day today so many thanks goes to him for all that he has brought to our project.

Day 2:

We got off to an earlier than usual start as we knew we had a challenging day ahead to get all the mosaic done.  Working around the group table everyone worked together on the Mosaic.  Some people breaking tiles, others, placing them on the board while others glued – there was a job for everyone.

The Team regroups for more Mosaic-ing

To get a break from the Mosaic activity Paul set himself up next door with his digital animation camera and laptop.  Using the clay figures the group made yesterday he worked with individuals and pairs to make animations based on their experiences of the project. 

Don't they look animated?

Togther they put togther a wonderful animated overview of the project so far.  You can view this on the ‘Art Workshops’ page.

While this was going on we were hard at work cracking on with the Mosaic concentrating hard to fill up the spaces with tiles to get a nice even coverage of colour.  Did we finish it?

Tools of the trade - tile nippers, glue, coloured tiles - and a hand or two.

Of course we did!  We all worked really hard , puts in lots of effort and concentration and ended up with a really satisfying piece of artwork of really good quality.  Well done to all.  We even had time to clean up, pack away and make a start of cleaning up a few of the Plaster casts from Poject no:2.

The completed Mosaic design - 1.5m x 1.5m

And – now all that is left to do is a bit  of grouting.  But Paul and I will do that another day.

Thanks to everyone involved for making this project such a fabulous and enjoyable project to be involved in.

The result:

The Mosaic - grouted at last