Student interviews 2026
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Intermediate Student - Greer Walker - started with Mrs Mosaic in 2023
1. What first sparked your interest in mosaics, and how did you come across it?
My interest was sparked by purchasing a book by Alison Hepburn and how applying small pieces of ceramic to create a work of art
2. Can you recall the moments when you realised mosaics were something you wanted to try yourself?
I looked at lots of internet websites and literature & realised how much related to the styles and broad ideas of artists as well as the versatile creative process.
3. What was happening in your life at the time you discovered mosaics, and how do you think that influenced your interest?
I was at a loose end creatively, & disappointed with a watercolour class. I was inspired by a four-panel mosaic & this mitigated the concept for “Midsummer Whimsy”
4. Who or what played a role in introducing you to mosaic art?
Fortunately, I discovered & enrolled at a mosaic class offered at the local education authority centre.
5. How did your first experience making or viewing a mosaic make you feel?
It did make a very positive impression on me & I was pleased &n excited with my ‘creation’ I felt that I’d exceeded my expectations as far as application & technique was concerned.
6. What drew you to mosaics over other art forms or creative outlets?
What I realised about my attraction to mosaics, compared with my other outlets is the scope for individual expression, and not confined to lack of technique or experience.
7. How has your relationship with mosaics evolved since you first discovered it?
I’ve grown in confidence with mosaics as a consequence of realising my ideas from initial concept to a complete work of art. As well as learning to use the glass grinder & discovering interesting techniques.
8. Please describe a personal memory or story connected to your first mosaic project?
My first mosaic of the ring-necked parakeet was and is very personal to me and my family, as a flock of the birds would descend the cherry tree in our garden every January.
9. In what ways do mosaics reflect your personal background, experiences, or personality?
Members of my family, specifically on my father’s side were creative and also my mothers. I prefer to work methodically, And the impressionist artists, Sargent and Kahlo, Rousseau & Klimt are my particular favourites.
10. What keeps you coming back to mosaic work, and what does it give you personally?
Mosaics invites so much scope for inspiration and for me is less intimidating that watercolour & painting in general. The process, realisation, & outcome if an idea, e.g. my son’s fish themed jigsaw that initiated my 4 panel “Midsummer Whimsy”. I’ve learned so much gaining knowledge about the application of essential tools and techniques increasing my confidence to tackle new challenges like “Deejay” the Golden Retriever and my new portrait “Vera in Blue” which is taken from a photograph of my Mother at a sports event on a hot summers day, probably around the 1960’s
I’m very grateful & appreciative of the instructions, enthusiasm and experience offered me by Mrs Mosaics as well as the exchange of ideas & general warm communal spirit of our class!
Nicola's comments
When Greer first approached me about starting classes, I'd never had someone bring a piece started with another tutor so many years prior. It presented me with a new challenge; where I had my own methods and skill set to bring but not wanting to conflict prior knowledge or undermine her previous tutor whilst bringing up her skills to more contemporary methods.
Greer's confidence has grown hugely over the time she has been exploring her mosaic work with me, she is an accomplished artist with a methodical approach which reaps rewards. 'Deejay' the Golden Retriever dog was an excellent execution of colour application and she captured the personality there.
I am excited to see her latest piece 'Vera in Blue', developing from a photo of her mother taken in the 60's and shows great ability & skill.
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