Description

Abstract design can be intimidating, and more than a little confusing. Where do we begin? How do we decide where the energy, weight, or balance of an artwork will be when the composition isn’t based on anything in our objective reality and the materials are three-dimensional?

Using the three basic elements of line, shape, and space, Kelley provides practical starting points and working strategies for conveying ideas and concepts abstractly in the dimensional medium of mosaic. Mosaic materials and andamento are inherently expressive; keeping their underlying design structure simple both supports and frees their eloquent narrative. As you design and build several small mosaics, you’ll be applying some basic principles of art and design, learning some functions of line and space in design, creating/using an underlying design structure, and achieving directional flow and balance.

If you tend to overthink or get artist’s block, never fear; we’ll do some fun exercises that give you something unexpected to respond to and keep spontaneity alive in your compositions. As you develop design frameworks, you’ll learn to ask yourself leading questions and make choices toward effectively conveying an idea or mood and bringing it to rich, complex life with the texture and rhythm of mosaic.