Beneath the Surface

Michelle makes mosaics using a wide range of materials and methods, always exploring the possibilities of what can be achieved by pushing the traditional boundaries of the artform.  

 

She has a background in Fine Art painting and printmaking and enjoys the opportunities that making her own ceramic pieces provides in the decorative process of applying underglaze and glaze.  

 

Michelle also makes her own kiln fired glass tesserae, creating complex abstract colour field compositions. She equally enjoys carefully nipping up patterned crockery and tiles, and also beheading the occasional figurine.  

 

As well as making wall-based artwork she has also completed several large public art projects in Teignmouth, Bovey Tracey and, most recently, for Totnes Town Council. Michelle is currently working on a mosaic covered seat for the Botanical gardens in Shaldon.  

 

Michelle is a qualified Adult Education teacher and has been passing on her skills for the last twenty years. Her inspiration is principally found in native flora and fauna (especially birds), Mexican folk art and traditional tattoos.  

 

She has a workshop in Teignmouth where she makes a really big mess, especially when grouting. 

 

Circular mosaic made from hand carved, glazed clay pieces, fixed to a wooden base and grouted.

 

My inspiration for this piece is the movement of the waves and the intriguing creatures that live in the sea. I walk on the beach almost every day and look at crab claws, starfish, seaweeds and whatever natural things have washed up on the tide.

 

I started with a circle of earthenware clay and then cut the swirling shapes into it. Each segment was the dissected into smaller individual pieces. Once dry enough each piece had the required surface texture carved into it. These were then bisque fired and then glazed, fitted back together again and grouted

Ceramic Mosaic

43cm Diameter