Student Interviews 2026

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/ed2fb0_168ef6b4c3ee472392a37b80e573f957/480p/mp4/file.mp4

A short clip of Liz's wonderful New Zealand inspired mosaic planter.

Advanced student Liz King - started with Mrs Mosaic in 2012 (approximately!!)

1.     What first sparked your interest in mosaics, and how did you come across it?

Attended a Saturday course at Ambleside Drive (Southend Adult College taught by Nicola) with my daughter, she recommended me to it!

2.     Can you recall the moments when you realised mosaics were something you wanted to try yourself?

Following on from the above course, I decided to do a weekly mosaic course as I had enjoyed it so much.

3.     What was happening in your life at the time you discovered mosaics, and how do you think that influenced your interest?

I was retired from teaching and had joined David Lloyd’s gym, making new friends and trying new activities, eg. Yoga, Pilates, like dancing!

4.     Who or what played a role in introducing you to mosaic art?

I had always enjoyed the artwork in my teaching, doing displays etc, learning from other staff. I had also been a jigsaw fanatic all my life!

5.     How did your first experience making or viewing a mosaic make you feel?

Having seen Roman mosaics on holidays, enjoyed the representation in mosaics of historic events/people. Also often attended museums of artwork of all kinds.

6.     What drew you to mosaics over other art forms or creative outlets?

Think the precision of mosaic work as opposed to other artwork – very clever, admired the cutting/laying of tiles to convey a picture/scene.

7.     How has your relationship with mosaics evolved since you first discovered it?

Becoming braver about the size of a piece of work and the challenges involved in its completion.

Koi Carp one of Liz's first pieces

8.     Please describe a personal memory or story connected to your first mosaic project?

I have always tried to complete a project, whether of mosaics, cross-stitch, tapestry sewing, knitting etc and hated making a mistake however small it might be!

9.     In what ways do mosaics reflect your personal background, experiences, or personality?

Just like finishing a jigsaw, I am very picky about how pieces fit together and find the challenges that I seem to set myself are necessary to some weird part of me! Think in every part of my life, I look back and critique how I should have done it better! Often revisiting incidents from years ago that should have been handled differently!

Nicola's Comments

I'm slightly shocked by how hard Liz is on herself! I had no idea .

She's an absolute delight and pleasure to spend time with, and she brings so much to our classes. Her meticulous approach helps us all(both myself and other students) to rein in some of our less thought through ideas.

Every mosaic I've seen her make has been a success. Sometimes, I'll be honest, I've tried to talk her out of a few of her ideas. An example was her New Zealand inspired pot (at the top of this post, and its much larger than the picture conveys), it took her so long to lovingly create a mural she'd seen on her travels in that country, and the outcome is splendid!

Liz has the softest heart, and over the years I have discovered someone I regard as a close personal friend, as well as a talented mosaic artist, who has always supported all of my ventures with total positivity!

Thank you Liz. x