I’ve written a book!
If you are interested in learning how to create mosaics inspired by the natural world, this book is for you.
Nature is filled with inspiring patterns and textures. In this book I show you, step by step, how to translate what you see around you into your own mosaic designs.
To support your journey, there are comprehensive chapters on the basics of making mosaics, including what materials to use, how to prepare them, and what adhesive to use.
I also take you behind the scenes of some of my own mosaic artworks, illustrating the processes and techniques I have used to make them.
Finally, for a bit of extra inspiration, there are spotlights on other contemporary mosaic artists from across the world.
“Rachel Davies’ new book, Mosaics Inspired by Nature, is the book we’ve all been waiting for. It takes a fresh, informative look at a neglected corner of the mosaic world – how to make textured, abstract mosaics using stone and particularly slate.”
Book description
The shapes, patterns and structures found in the natural world can provide a source of wonder and inspiration for mosaic artists. Mosaics do not have to be made from tiles and then grouted, but instead they can be full of texture, incorporating a whole array of materials which hold connections to nature and to particular places. The subtle beauty of stone surfaces gives the work an organic feel, creating beautiful abstract designs.
Not only are these materials attractive but preparing them is an enjoyable task in itself. In this book, experienced artist Rachel Davies shares the methods she uses in her mosaic practice. Starting with tools, materials and cutting techniques, discover adhesive and substrate options, and get to know the various materials and how to use them creatively.
Supported by step-by-step photos, follow a series of exercises and suggestions to explore your interests and develop your own designs. With a focus on three of her own mosaics, inspired by seaweed, lichen and bark, Rachel walks you through her process to show how a piece of art develops from start to finish.
Beautifully illustrated with photographs of Rachel’s own work as well as spotlights on seven other contemporary artists, find inspiration and get started on your own mosaic journey.
“Rachel Davies’ book Mosaics Inspired by Nature offers the reader a well
conceived and nicely observed, step-by-step, guide to making a contemporary
mosaic inspired by the natural world around us. [...] The text is clear and precise and presented in Rachel’s inimitable style, as those who participate in her popular online classes will know, and illustrated through with excellent photographs.”
Take a look inside: Here are some pages from the book.
“This is how-to manual in the best sense: a practical, thoughtful, and thorough guide to the artist’s process of understanding the elements of mosaic craft, designing and composing effectively from nature’s inspiration, constructing well, and even considering how to take care of oneself physically while creating mosaic.”
How to get your copy
The book is published by Bloomsbury and is currently available in the UK, USA and Canada. It will be published in Australia on 7th January 2025.
You can buy a copy from wherever you usually buy your books. I encourage you to support local independent bookstores wherever possible. I also have a few signed copies available on my online store.
The book is also available in e-book format (Epub, Mobi and PDF) from the publishers website.
“Whether you are at the start of your mosaic journey exploring natural materials like marble, stone and slate, or well on your journey, there is something for you in this beautifully presented book”
“If her just released book Mosaics Inspired by Nature, had been on that Pittsburgh bookshelf all those years ago, I would have carried it around in my backpack until its edges frayed. It would have taught me, in easy-to-understand prose how to make the kind of mosaic that I ached to make back then. [...] You need this book. Take my long and winding road word for it.”
