Using Molds for Concrete Substrates
September 21, 9:30 – 2pm September 22, 2pm – 4pm Studio 9, Oakland CA Concrete is the ideal substrate for durable outdoor or indoor mosaic. We’ll start with a discussion and images of various sculptures – organic and geometric forms, totems, and wall-hung relief pieces. For molds you can choose from a large variety of plastic and cardboard containers. Wilma will walk you through step-by-step preparation of molds. You will mix lightweight concrete and fill the prepped forms, which will then cure overnight. On Sunday we’ll remove the forms, and if needed make repairs. Information about adhesives and materials, along with a discussion about what participants want to do with their concrete substrates, will conclude the workshop. You will leave with an assortment of 3-dimensional concrete substrates ready to mosaic at home or in the workshop offered the following weekend. Tuition: $150 + $20 materials fee Book online 
Mosaic Sculptures
Sat Sep 28, 10 - 4:30pm Sun Sep 29, 10 - 4:30 pm Studio 9, Oakland CA Three-dimensionality in mosaics can be technically challenging but also lends itself to creating thought-provoking and playful artwork. Images of modern sculpture and a discussion about what makes sculpture compelling, will serve as a jump off point for the workshop. If you took the previous weekend’s concrete workshop, bring your sculpture substrates. Otherwise Wilma provides substrates that are cast concrete forms 5-8” in diameter. Wilma will demonstrate techniques and tips for tackling convex and concave curves, use of thinset, as well as optional grouting. A variety of materials are provided – stained glass, tile, ceramics, smalti, bottlenecks, pebbles, beads, coins and more –for you to create one or two wall-hung or freestanding mosaic sculptures. You’re welcome to bring mementos and other materials. Students should have some basic mosaic experience. Tuition: $220 + $30 materials fee Book online If you sign up for both workshops, you get 15% discount on both classes! If you have questions about a workshop, email wilma@wyssdesign.com Mosaic Art: Patterns in Nature March 1-6, 2020 Esalen Institute, Big Sur CA * Registration not yet open * Nature provides us with space to quiet our souls, gain perspective, and harness our creativity. Explore Esalen's stunning grounds to find places that resonate and inspire your mosaic art, be it big vistas, small individual succulents, or anything in between. Mosaic is a slow and contemplative art form, perfectly suited for Esalen’s restorative setting. In this mosaic workshop we discuss patterns found in nature, which translate so beautifully into the medium of mosaic. Conceive, develop and realize your own mosaic project, with guidance offered by mosaic artist Wilma Wyss. You sketch initial concepts in pencil. Wilma works one-on-one with you as you develop your concept into mosaic artwork. We compose in glass, tile and found objects. Demonstrations include cutting and shaping the materials, adhesives, and use of color. Slide presentations illustrate relevant examples and the power of pattern. Known for her joyful teaching style, and her creative use of materials, Wilma provides individual instruction to foster your creativity. This workshop is designed for adults who may have some experience with mosaic, as well as anyone who has never touched a wheeled nipper. The materials fee provides you high-quality wheeled nippers (to keep), glass in wide variety of colors, and materials to complete one or more wall-hung mosaics. Esalen Institute produced a lovely short video of the 5-day mosaic workshop I taught in January 2019. |
Art Barn at Esalen Institute on Big Sur coast.