This book concentrates not on the figurative panels but on the geometric borders and patterns with which virtually all floors and corridors were decorated. Robert Fields has collected examples from many different sites and the book is arranged as a series of step-by-step drawing exercises. Experiencing the way the design elements are linked together is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate how inventive and skillful those ancient artists were.
I have written six books on geometric patterns which are used by many people as a source of creative design in subjects as diverse as embroidery, patio paving, knitwear and quilt making. I also published and illustrated an anthology of poems about mice - I Think Mice are Rather Nice (Triplecat). I have also illustrated two books by my partner, the author Roderick Grant, Clap Hands for the Singing Molecatcher (Triplecat & Birlinn editions) and Strathalder - A Highland Estate (Triplecat & Birlinn editions).
I took up making mosaics in order to make replicas and re-constructions of Roman designs but quickly realised, through seeing the work of my teacher, Elaine M. Goodwin and other mosaic artists, that it had potential as a means of further artistic expression. I became a founder member of the British Association for Modern Mosaic and have edited their Journal ANDAMENTO for the last five years. I have exhibited extensively throughout Britain and in France, including a solo exhibition of mosaics - INSPIRATIONS - at Salisbury and Devizes Museums in 2004. I have also organised two further successful exhibitions of mosaics - THE FOUR SEASONS - ANCIENT MEETS MODERN at the Corinium Museum in Cirencester in 2006 and THE FOUR ELEMENTS in Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum in 2008. I am holding another solo exhibition in 2012/13 - Corinium Museum, Cirencester, September - October 2012, Dorset County Museum, Dorchester, November 2012 - January 2013 and Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, Salisbury February - May 2013.
My work can be seen on my website: www.robert-field.co.uk
