Libro

Like many people, my first experience of mosaic was in swimming pools and shop doorways. I was captivated by the colors, the texture, and the intricacy, which made me long to see more without any real idea of where to look. Fans and creators of mosaic range from international artists to school children because this is one of those rare things - an art form that that is accessible to all. Anyone can create something beautiful and individual with ease, using glass or ceramic tiles in rich and opulent colors. These have an intrinsic beauty and can be placed in infinite and unique combinations according to each individual artist.
Because every mosaic is unique, it is very difficult to say what makes one successful and another less so. There are rules to follow, which helps, and a long tradition of images and techniques to draw on.
The basics of mosaic are not difficult to master but it is a time-consuming process and can be expensive. When starting out it is important to know some of this technical information in order to avoid mistakes and disappointment. A great advantage of mosaic is that it can be as easy as you want it to be; there is no need to start by making a mural that covers a wall and involves plasterers and a vast number of expensive tiles. A beautiful piece of work can be made directly onto a small piece of wood with a basic craft glue, using found objects or broken house tiles. Help can also be found locally from builders and DIY stores as well as from craft shops and books.
One of the joys of mosaic lies in the chance to experiment. Traditional Italian and French tiles are still my favorite but I like to incorporate found objects too - from glass nuggets and beads to photos and buttons. I have also enjoyed making my own tiles from glass and ceramic. When designing a mosaic it is a good idea to have a drawing to work from to plan the colors and movement of the tiles (andamenti) but this also provides a good foundation from which to try out new things. As mosaic increases in popularity, traditional tesserae are easier to source and buy in shops or by mail order. There are now many courses and workshops which can be found through national mosaic societies, libraries, or art schools. Mosaic is largely a solitary occupation and so attending one of these offers a great opportunity to meet people who are interested in the same thing and to discuss ideas or swap information.
In putting together this book I have described a variety of techniques and projects. By following these projects you will discover the ways of working that you prefer. Once you have these under your belt, it will be easy to design your own pieces when you want to, with the confidence to create objects that appeal to you. When I started making mosaics I loved the materials and the finished objects but felt that some of the techniques, such as casting a slab, would be beyond me. Once I discovered how easy these were, however, my confidence grew and I was soon willing to try any technique.