beginning

...and so another school project begins....  It really is fun to see these mosaic works progress from beginning to end.  I plan very carefully so all of the participants have a role.  But usually I'm the only one who really knows what it will look like at the end.  The dynamics between the participants is interesting, sometimes very cooperative, sometimes counterproductive.  Just like real life.  It's usually best to not work right next to your best friend, or your worst enemy... but take a neutral partner.  That partnership is often more balanced.  Collaborative works must take into consideration a wide range of variable factors, skill levels, patience, attention spans, communication styles.  Sometimes it's a struggle to get it to come together.  It's all worth it in the end.