About Bruce

My name is Bruce Long.
I am the owner/lecturer/resident artist at the Studio of Mosaic Art.

  

My love of tiles began in my childhood. I completed my first mosaic at 12 years of age. Titled "Speedway", it depicts a speedway track complete with crowd, track and motorbikes.
My second mosaic was completed at age 13, titled "Christ".

I completed various other mosaics before starting my tiling apprenticeship in 1964. After completing my trade I studied mosaic tiling for a further 12 months. In the final year of my apprenticeship I designed, fixed and installed a mosaic mural for the Blacktown R.S.L. Club. The design was based on aboriginal cave drawings.

I then went on to run a very successful tiling business for over 30 years. During this time I completed many and varied personal and commissioned mosaics. I have also taught mosaic tiling at several TAFE institutions.

When I decided to retire from commercial tiling, I retrained to become a Remedial Therapist.
I now run the Studio of Mosaic Art with my Studio of Well-being next door. This allows me time to dedicate to teaching and completing my own works of mosaic art.

The Studio

The Studio of Mosaic Art is located at 25 Adelaide Road, Strathalbyn, South Australia, Australia. Strathalbyn is approximately 45 minutes south-east of Adelaide.

The Studio, built in 2003, is a modern building filled with old world character and charm, made possible by the use of recycled materials and built amongst a country setting.

When Bruce retired from commercial tilling and started his new business of remedial therapy, he also opened up his mosaic art studio in the same building.

Bruce had been doing mosaic art even before he started his tiling apprenticeship in 1964 and it was his dream to have an open studio, where he could carry on both his own work and also teach others this ancient art form, that he loves so much.

The atmosphere of the studio is one of relaxed fun, where people of all skill levels can come and enjoy learning and working on projects, both large and small.

Bruce has also been active in introducing mosaics to the community. He runs a shared skills group for schools and has installed mosaics at the local primary school, with the work being carried out by both school students and studio student and artists. These can be seen on the wall outside the art department and the counter of their canteen. School students have also installed their work on the power poles along the Paris Creek road. Other studio, students work, can also be seen around the town, in private gardens, as well as the sign in front of, The Old Market Shed, on the corner of Donald street and Commercial road.

Over the years that the studio has been open, the grounds and surrounding gardens have filled up with over 50 sculptures, from the, Doctor Who, themed sculptures at the beginning of the drive, to the many large pots and free standing sculptures, including, monoliths, birdbaths, stepping stones, even a solar panelled fountain, around the studio itself, as well as framed mosaics inside.

 

The studio is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, from 9am to 12pm and on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm and guests are welcome to come and view the installed works and works in progress. Bruce or Linda are only too happy to have a chat and answer questions about the studio. Fully guided tours of the studio and gardens can be arranged by appointment and large groups are welcome. You are also welcome to take self guided tours through the gardens on any day.

If you would like to give mosaics a go yourself, There is a come and try, bug class. These consist of, one, three hour class, on any of the days we are open, at a cost of $30.00. So if you have always wanted to give mosaics a try, but are not sure if it's quite your thing, why not try a cute little bug sculpture. All materials for the class are provided and at the end of it you have your very own mosaic bug sculpture to take home.

There are also many more extensive classes available, if you get bitten by the mosaicking bug, from the beginners, foundation course, right through to glass mosaics and sculpture. There are other speciality classes held through the year too. From how to draw, understanding colour and week end workshops, for stepping stone mosaics. For all class enquiries contact Linda on 0408 828 960 or ring the studio on (08)8536 8333.