(The following article
is made available in arrangement with the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) and
the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO). See ACT’s
website http://www.act.org.za/)
Call for applications for three-year apprenticeship in
mosaic and ceramic art
Spier Arts Academy offers employment-based training in
professional mosaic and provides teaching by the best international tutors. The
academy is calling for applications for its three year, full-time
apprenticeship focusing on Mosaic Art, including tuition in Drawing, Mosaic
Theory, Art History and Business Skills.
A solid understanding of theory and practice is crucial in
order to experiment and expand the boundaries of traditional mosaic and ceramic
art. Art History and Design Theory assist in the development of a conceptual
approach in making art, and by studying the work and influences of other
artists, apprentices can learn to express their own sentiments. Developing
craft into the realm of art, apprentices quickly begin to move away from
creating functional, decorative pieces to well-resolved, open-ended artworks
with layered meanings.
The Academy teaching approach is applied. Working against
production deadlines requires the studio to operate as a professional studio
where apprentices gain valuable industry experience. Mosaic and ceramic art
depends on effective team collaboration, where apprentices learn a variety of
approaches from masters in their fields and soon develop their own work methodologies.
Apprentices are encouraged to work more and more independently, with tutors
playing the role of advocates and good soundboards.
The programme is a full-time three-year commitment, where
apprentices are in studio five days a week, Monday to Friday from 08h00 to
17h00. The timetable is comprised of lectures and practical learning.
Participation in all aspects of the programme is compulsory. The academic year
commences in January and is divided into quarters. The Academy holiday is at the
end of the year.
Employment-based training combines a structured theory
component with relevant work practice. Apprentices learn professional art
practices by working on real-world projects; learning to scale, quantify and
systematically manufacture large mosaic or ceramic pieces over a period of
time.
The idea is that apprentices learn the ‘ins and outs’ of
mosaic or ceramic art by applying all the aspects under the guidance of an
experienced and qualified master. In order to become qualified themselves,
apprentices are assessed against industry standards. The employment-based
environment provides an interdisciplinary learning opportunity that enables
trainees to rapidly expand their knowledge in a setting that promotes
networking with professionals, tutors and their peers.
Academy tuition is sponsored, and all apprentices receive a
monthly allowance and an additional monetary incentive, based on work and study
performance – enabling apprentices to cover their living expenses while
furthering their skills.
Focusing on Practical Mosaic or Practical Ceramics, you will
spend the bulk of your day in the studio gaining valuable hands-on experience
in interpreting designs into the respective mediums. Mosaic Applied Theory will
demonstrate various mosaic fabrication techniques and develop your technical
knowledge and mathematical skills. Practical Ceramics is similar in scope, but
obviously focuses on the basic production methods of ceramics. Participants
will improve their Drawing skills and Theory subjects will teach you colour
theory and material knowledge. In Art History lessons you will gain a sound
knowledge of the history of art in a global and local context. A fair amount of
numeracy and computer skills are developed in Business Skills, where you will
learn what it takes to run your own successful studio after graduation.
Academy excursions to art studios, galleries, museums and
art libraries introduce apprentices to the local arts and culture scene and
provide them with the necessary exposure, adding value to their off-campus
learning experience.
Apprentices who obtain a minimum of 75 percent at the end of
their first and second years of study, will at the end of their third year be
sponsored a cultural tour of Europe that focuses on exceptional mosaic
artworks. Each year’s tour is customised and a guide accompanies the
apprentices to highlight aspects in major museums and introduce them to
curators and artists of interest.
This award serves as a huge motivational factor for Academy
apprentices to perform to the best of their ability throughout the first and
second year of study. After travelling abroad and realising the degree of
related industry competition, third year apprentices return with the enthusiasm
and drive to succeed as mosaic or ceramic artists.
For further information visit http://spierartsacademy.co.za/mosaic-course/
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