Mosaics

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Mosaics

What is a mosaic?

A mosaic is a type of decorative art in which pieces of stone, porcelain enamel, glass or even ceramic are assembled together with putty. Today even shells and pebbles are used. This collage process gives you the forms of motifs or figures. These pieces of material are the tiles or tesserae. You are able to make a mosaic with all types of tile from the ones in your bathroom to the most detailed ones that are part of wall decorative pieces.

When were mosaics popular?

The mosaic could be referred to as one of the oldest forms of ctreavity. Popular during the Classical period, it continued through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and then reappeared as part of the "Art Nouveau" movement at the start of the 20th century.

The 3 types of mosaic

The Roman mosaic (from stone and marble)
The Byzantine mosaic, renamed the Venetian mosaic (from enamels and glass)
The Florentine mosaic (interlocked precious stones)

The 3 techniques of making a mosaic

The direct method for smaller objects (simple and easy to pick up for children and newcomers).
The direct method for wall mosaics. (on a bigger scale).
The indirect method (more delicate but results in a smoother surface).
The micro mosaic method.
The camoflage mosaic method.

Directions

Place to make the mosaic

So that you're working in the best environment possible, make sure:

You have a table or a workbench at the right height so that you can work seated or standing.
The light intensity in the room is appropriate and you have a lamp next to the table.
You have some water to prepare the mosaic cement with and for cleaning.
You have glass or plastic transparent containers in which to store the materials and then cut out the tesserae.

Main principals of mosaic-making

Decide where you are going to place the mosaic (inside/outside) and its dimensions before starting it.
Draw on your backboard the shape of the mosaic in its actual size.
- Make sure it is as simple as possible.
- Decide the layout of the tesserae.

Mosaic made from one of Braque's prints.

Choose your tesserae to make up the mosaic:
- Vary the colors and sizes of the tesserae.
- Play about to create contrasts between materials.
- Depending on whether the tesserae are bigger or smaller, thicker or thinner, they should create a visually stimulating decoration that will catch the light.
Size and cut the materials to the right size and shape with the appropriate tools.

NB: Always use a protective mask and glasses when you are cutting: the fragments can fly in all directions.