Working Abstract in Mud: Lecture & Demonstration with Kelley Knickerbocker

Are you curious about or frustrated with mortar as a mosaic adhesive? Are you intrigued by abstract artworks but feel unsure how to effectively design/compose one? Then this interactive virtual lecture and demonstration by Kelley Knickerbocker is for you! Come join us for this special MSoP-sponsored event and gain insight and inspiration. Part 1 - Working in Mud Kelley will guide us through the steps to effectively mix, apply and maneuver mortar to strongly hold tesserae of varying heights using techniques where grout isn’t needed. She will address bed, backbutter and baggie methods. Additionally, Kelley will share a wealth of tips on working cleanly, tinting mortar, creating sculptural and undulating effects with tesserae in mortar, and smoothing/texturizing open areas of mortar within or around mosaic areas. Part 2 - Working in Abstract In this discussion, Kelley will cut through the mystery and walk us through her favorite, very practical, approaches to abstract design. No more hemming and hawing and wondering where to start; after this presentation you will always have a handful of starting points and ideas in your pocket when you sit down to design and make, and the knowledge you need to flesh out those ideas and come up with more. About Kelley Knickerbocker Kelley Knickerbocker, a Seattle-based visual artist founded Rivenworks Mosaics in 2006. She designs and fabricates durable artwork for public, commercial, residential and gallery environments. Kelley’s ruggedly dimensional artworks, which often make use of the rudiments and detritus of other making processes in a marriage of assemblage and mosaic, are the distillation of her fascination with contrast and texture. In 2015 her relentless experimentation garnered her the Innovation in Contemporary Mosaic award from the Society of American Mosaic Artists. Her work is widely collected and regularly exhibited in the US and abroad and has been featured in several mosaic books. When Kelley isn’t exploiting material properties in her studio, she’s likely teaching in-depth workshops on mosaic style and technique, collaborating, and speaking on creativity and the practice of art. Refunds will be given only in the event that Mosaic Society of Philadelphia finds it necessary to cancel this event.