CREATE · EXPERT INSIGHT
From leftover tiles to something entirely new.
MIROSLAV BUŠIĆ · MOSAIC MAKING
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Some creative ideas begin with grand plans. Miroslav's began with leftover tiles that someone else might have discarded. He saw the possibility of making something new: a useful or decorative object created from small pieces.
Self-taught, from the very first piece.
Miroslav Bušić began making mosaics more than ten years ago. Rather than learning through formal training, he explored the technique independently. As he puts it, he is entirely self-taught.
What attracted him was a simple idea: turning leftover tiles, which might otherwise go unused, into something different.
Today, after years of hands-on experience, he wants to share what he has learned with others. Not as an unreachable artistic skill, but as a technique that anyone interested can begin to explore.
“What first attracted me to mosaic making was the possibility of turning someone else's leftover tiles into a new functional or decorative object.”
MIROSLAV BUŠIĆ · ON HOW HE STARTEDNo two pieces are alike.
When Miroslav talks about leading workshops, the finished mosaic isn't the only part he finds rewarding. He particularly enjoys watching how different people approach the same challenge.
One person might choose different colours, another might arrange the pieces in a new way, while someone else sees a familiar design from an entirely different perspective.
And that, in his experience, is one of the most enjoyable parts of a workshop: no two pieces turn out exactly the same, and participants can take pride in what they have made themselves.
A little precision. Plenty of personal choice.
Mosaic making does require some precision. Tiles need to be shaped to suit the design, positioned carefully and brought together into a whole. But that doesn't mean every piece must follow a strict set of rules.
Miroslav recommends that beginners start with simpler designs: a flower, an ornament, a stylised fish or a butterfly. The colours don't have to imitate nature. What matters is finding a combination that works for your own idea.
And when it comes to precision, he has an answer that captures his relaxed approach perfectly:
“A little precision is needed, but that shouldn't scare anyone. After all, we're not making mosaics for ancient Roman villas.”
MIROSLAV BUŠIĆ · ADVICE FOR BEGINNERSFOR FIRST-TIMERS
What does Miroslav want beginners to know?
One workshop won't turn anyone into a master mosaic maker. It's an opportunity to get to know the materials, tools and basic steps of the technique.
Interest and a willingness to try are enough to get started. Your instructor can help with arranging shapes and colours.
A flower, a fish or a simple ornament makes a good starting point for getting familiar with the technique.
Special tile-cutting nippers are often the biggest challenge for beginners. Follow your instructor's guidance and take your time.
Grouting is often the part beginners find most exciting, because that's when the mosaic takes on its finished appearance.
LUCE SUNCE · ZAGREB
A place for your first try.
Miroslav also shares his knowledge through mosaic-making workshops for adults organised in collaboration with the Luce Sunce creative centre.
Beginners can discover the basic materials, tools and steps involved in making their own first mosaic.
For details about current workshop sessions and registration, visit Where to Try.