Mosaic Artist Martin Cheek

Martin Cheek lives in Broadstairs and graduated in graphic design from Exeter College of Art & Design in 1981. Having made award winning films as a student, he subsequently worked on several puppet animation projects including ‘The Wind in the Willows’ ‘Paddington Bear’ ‘Noddy in Toyland’ and ‘Portland Bill’. He then set up his own production company Cheeky Films Ltd.

For many years Martin was a part time lecturer at the Royal College of Art. He is a former art critic for the Daily Express and now works full time as a professional mosaic artist. Martin is regularly commissioned by both private and corporate clients as well as by museums. The majority of  his commissions are abroad in countries such as Turkey, Barbados, Istanbul and Sicily, where the love for mosaics is prominent. His work also appears in leading National magazines and newspapers as well as on television.

Martin Cheek was on the game show ‘the Weakest Link’ and won. He decided to spend the prize money on a glass fusing kiln and Bulls eye Dichromatic glass. Although he had been fusing glass for about twenty years in his ceramic kiln, this special new kiln gives him more control, allowing him to be more specific in his working methods.

The Dichromatic glass, as its name suggests has two colours within it and the colour changes depending on the angle at which you look at it. This can be green and blue or gold and purple and so on. Of course this holographic effect doesn’t show up on a single photograph you have to see it in real life.

He works on about ten mosaics at a time, choosing which piece to work on depending on his mood. He says "I love making the mosaics. They ARE meant to be amusing. so I hope that you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoy making them!"

His weekend courses in the UK and abroad continue to be popular with students from all over the world keen to learn the art of making mosaics (please see events page). Over 1200 people have now attended Martin’s courses.

Martin Cheek is available for commisions and has just started producing affordable mini mosaics that start from £100.

You can view Martin’s work by visiting his website.