A story in mosaic..

By ANGELA CRAWFORD
(The Guardian)

Every now and then you hear wonderful stories of ambition achieved, wishes granted and destiny fulfilled.. and this story is one of them.

When local artist, Esther Rose, was just 14 years old she was given a book by her father on the art of mosaics. Although a keen painter, she didn't give the book or the art much thought then, nor for years after, until a series of triggers instilled in her a sudden desire to take up the art and give it a try.

Last year she noticed an advertisement for a beginners course in mosaic art, but again forgot all about it until her father showed her a mosaic of bee he had created in his own courtyeard.

Esther was reminded of the course and felt she should give it a try.. and has discovered a passion for mosaic she never imagined she possessed.

She hasn't picked up a brush since she began mosaicing, nor will she, she thinks.

"Now I go up the the shed at night, without even the potbelly on, with a scarf around my neck, my nose running and me abosultely freezing, just to keep doing it" she explains.

"Maybe it's taken me this long to find my true passion."

After regurarly attending the local course, Esther discovered on the internet an amazing-sounding course offered by the Studio Arte del Mosaico in Ravenna, Italy (www.mosaicschool.com).

Her husband Ken, realising how much she would love to do it, made the trip a birthday present for her, and she has only recently returned from what she describes as the most amazing experience.

The intensive five day course was held in the mosaic capital of the world - Ravenna, Italy, where there are hundreds of buildings and walls housing hundreds of elaborate, ancient mosaics (many in need of restoration which provides work of many local artists).

Taught by a wonderfully eccentric sounding artist named, Luciana Notturni, Esther's class learnt traditional mosaic (there are hundreds of different methods) and included students from all around the world.

"The enthusiasm was contagious and I just settled in instantly!" said Esther.

Learning the traditional method required the students to use a hammer and hardy to cut tiles, glass or marble into tiny, tiny pieces and lay them in a bed of lime.

Luciana spoke only Italian, so she had an English interpreter for her international students and Esther benefited from the lessons in both languages (her parents are Italian).

The course included afternoon tours of Ravenna and a look at the history of this ancient art and Early Christian and Byzantine examples (Ken also enjoyed the trip, spending his time exploring the remarkable city!).

"There are so many different techniques to learn and tonnes of different methods.. many artists choose to use a mixture of them," said Esther.

"I'd love to have an exhibition one day and even start selling the pieces."

She adds that as so much more time is spent on each piece than you would spend on a painting, parting with them is much more difficult!

Has such new-found passion for the art that she encourages anyone with the inclination to give it a go!