Anne Bowden’s 20-year legacy of mosaics and mentorship
My journey into art started with 10 years of deep depression. During this time, my counsellor suggested I start painting, which led to me putting some paintings into an exhibition run by Stepping Out, a support group for psychiatric survivors in Thames.
The manager there mentioned me to Mike Noonan, the manager of Coromandel Independent Living Trust (CILT), who was looking for someone to set up a support group for people living with disabilities in Whitianga. Starting this in 2002 was transformative, allowing me to grow alongside the group, and it eventually became Artists in the Making (ATM). We did a lot of arts and crafts, and when someone in the group wanted to learn mosaics, we found a tutor from the Thames Coast.
That started my mosaic journey in 2003. I ran ATM for 15 years, and they still meet in my studio with a new coordinator. This group is for all disability types – physical, intellectual and mental health. It has been the most amazing experience and really developed my creativity, my confidence, and began my journey as a mosaic artist.
Humour has been a core part of me, and it’s reflected in a lot of my work. My fish and ‘boob ladies’ are bound to give you a smile. My mosaics are largely inspired by the materials I have available, by a space that needs filling, or simply by wanting to learn and try new techniques. My garden panels began when the neighbours built a new fence, and I thought I’d make something to brighten the fence posts in my backyard. It had to be bright, and I wanted to use up old materials that were difficult to fit into other mosaics. They’ve since become popular sellers.
In the 1980s, I learnt china painting and did that for many years. Now I incorporate those skills into my work, painting and firing pieces for my mosaics. I also paint and fire tiles, which are then cut up to use. It’s become increasingly hard to find great tile colours, so producing some of my own has been helpful for getting just the right look. I also learnt to fire glass using a microwave kiln, which I use in my work. One of my other favourites is using gold leaf combined with stone, a technique that isn’t widely used. Each technique helps me keep creating pieces that feel fresh and true to my style.
My mosaics are largely inspired by the materials I have available, by a space that needs filling, or simply by wanting to learn and try new techniques.
I was already selling other handcrafts at local markets when I started making mosaics. The markets were a great place not only for sales but also for meeting new people for my mosaic classes when they finally started. Eventually, I began selling through Mosaic Gallery and now through Whitianga Art Gallery. Morag and Monique have been very supportive and encouraging of local artists. When I got brave enough, I joined Mercury Bay Art Escape in 2010. To join, I needed a stock of high-quality work for an exhibition, and each year I felt I needed brand new work to present. The Art Escape experience has helped me grow as an artist and kept me pushing myself.
Now, I’m on the National Mosaic Art Committee and have been involved in organising some of the National Exhibitions. I’ve entered all eight of these exhibitions and have won two merit awards. I’ve also been to two Mosaic Symposiums in Australia, where I learnt new techniques that influenced my work. Through these experiences, I’ve made many mosaic friends throughout the country and in Australia and have become part of a great network. There are so many different styles of mosaics and countless techniques that can be used. It’s a far cry from just smashing some china to glue on a plant pot!
I’ve been teaching mosaic for 20 years now, and it’s fabulous encouraging people to connect with their creativity. Some have been coming for over 10 years, and it has become more than just a weekly class. I encourage some of them to sell at the market or join Art Escape. Their projects have also pushed me to learn and find ways of solving problems. I guess mosaic teaches patience, perseverance and thinking outside the square.
Humour has been a core part of me, and it’s reflected in a lot of my work. My fish and ‘boob ladies’ are bound to give you a smile.
When it comes to creating lasting work, I always advise people to prep before beginning. Using the right glue for the right materials and situations makes all the difference. Don’t leave big or awkward gaps, and most of all – have fun with it.
One of my biggest projects was completing the mosaics for the public toilets in Whitianga. Beatrice and Fergus were fun to create, but I needed help to complete them because I started to get RSI in my elbow, wrists and neck. Luckily, a few of my students were willing to come and help out.
The learning here was to pace myself and stretch! Now I’ve started another big project for myself – mosaicing my fence on Arthur Street. Watch this space!
You can follow me on Facebook and Instagram / email: annebowden@xtra.co.nz.
Words by by Anne Bowden
