Commissioning
a mosaic
If I am working
with you (my potential client) on a commission, I begin by trying to
get an idea of what you are looking for. Checking my web site for examples
of my work is a good place to start. If you already have a concept in
mind, anything you provide me with can be helpful.
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For example, the
first inspiration for the 'Tree
of Life'
mosaic was a 1" square image of a tree cut out from
a newspaper along with the idea 'tree of life'. I researched early American
Applique books and borrowed from their naive folk art style to depict
the elements in this mosaic. The colors were chosen to compliment the
room in which it was to be placed.
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I
am very open to new directions and encourage people to realize that just
about ANYthing can be translated into mosaic! (one of these days I want
to try some dinosaur imagery).
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One of
my favorite parts of creating art is the sketch phase, when anything is
possible. Once
a theme is decided, I may do a few thumbnails but in general I like to sketch
at full size. When the pencil drawing is complete, I tighten up the line
work and this is what the mosaic tesserae or tiles will be laid upon. The
image here depicts a shoe fireplace surround.
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Rather than do a color
sketch with paints or colored pencils, I prefer to work my colors out with
the tesserae themselves. Mosaic colors don't match up very well with markers,
paint, or colored pencil. I find the best way to get a feel for the look of
the final piece is to loosely 'sketch' with the mosaic tiles. Working this
way keeps the tile laying process more fresh and responsive. I supply my clients
with a pencil sketch and chosen color palette of actual tiles to be used.
Images here are for Two Turtles, which can be seen in NEW
WORK.
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of my mosaics are laid in the 'indirect' or 'reverse' method, allowing me to
create the mosaic in my studio rather than on site. The temporary substrate
for the mosaic is usually a sheet of clear adhesive, more fondly referred to
as 'sticky paper'. This is placed on top of the sketch. I then start nipping
and placing
tiles. Using this temporary substrate allows me to make changes as I go along
and this flexibility is great. Note the sketch is backwards from how it will
appear when complete. |
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The
next step is to change substrates (1.). My favorite permanent substrate
is 1/4" cement backerboard. Thinset is applied with a notched trowel
to this surface (2.)and it is placed on top of the upside down mosaic
(3.). A sandwich is made of board/sticky paper/mosaic/thinset/cement
board and the whole thing is FLIPPED. (Two people are required for any larger
sized mosaic.) A piece of plywood is used to firm in the tiles and allow uneven
tiles to stay at same height (4.). The mosaic then sits until thinset
solidifies enough to remove the sticky paper. After 24 hours the mosaic is
grouted(5.).
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1.
ready to attach
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2.
thinset applied with notched trowel
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3.
thinset board dropped ON mosaic
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| 4. after
flip, plywood used to firm in mosaic tiles to adhesive(sticky paper still on) |
5. grouted
mosaic |
If you
are 'trying this at home' feel free to contact me with any questions!
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MODUS OPERANDI and/or HOW A
MOSAIC COMMISSION COMES TOGETHER