Contemporary Textural Mosaic

Service Description

This workshop introduces Contemporary Textural Mosaic, a sculptural approach to mosaic in which porcelain clay is used to create raised structural outlines that define the composition before tesserae are placed. Participants explore how clay linework can organize the mosaic surface, creating texture and dynamic interaction with light and shadow. Moving beyond traditional grout-line construction, this method encourages artists to think of mosaic as a three-dimensional surface. Learning Outcomes Participants will learn to: • design mosaic compositions using structural clay outlines • model porcelain clay to create raised mosaic boundaries • integrate tesserae within sculptural surfaces • balance texture, depth, and color • develop a contemporary approach to mosaic composition Workshop details Place: Cayucas, CA The exact address will be announced to participants after registration. It is a private residence. Duration: 2 days, 9 AM- 5 PM ClassStructure: Day 1 Introduction to contemporary textural mosaic Design development and clay outline construction Day 2 Integration of tesserae Surface refinement and finishing techniques What is included in the class: -Class instruction, materials, tools. -Painted frame with hardware ready to use - Lunch both days fee: $350 per participant material: $50 Payment: $100 deposit for the class; the balance will be collected during the class Instructor Bio Aja Ngo is a mosaic artist and the founder of Desiderata Mosaic in Portland, Oregon. Her work explores textured surfaces, symbolic imagery, and architectural mosaic installation. She has created multiple large-scale community mosaic murals in Portland and has exhibited work nationally and internationally. Her training includes study in Ravenna, Italy, at Koko Mosaico, and in contemporary mosaic with Argentine artists Fernanda Jaton and Fernando Bekir. In addition to her art practice, she is a licensed acupuncturist and bodyworker with over 30 years of experience in traditional Chinese medicine. Her interdisciplinary background informs her approach to material, structure, and embodied creative practice.