Mosaics
Mosaics are an ancient art form that has played a significant role in architectural design for thousands of years, with examples traced back to Sumerian, Chaldean, and Egyptian civilizations. The craft reached notable heights in ancient Greece and Rome, where intricate pebble and glass mosaics adorned public spaces and private homes. During the Byzantine Era, the art evolved further, incorporating precious materials and elaborate designs, particularly in religious contexts for both Christian and Islamic cultures. Today, mosaics remain popular, often found in various public and private spaces worldwide. Modern mosaic projects range from garden art to personalized household items, utilizing a diverse array of materials, including glass, ceramics, and even recycled products. Many contemporary artists engage in DIY projects, while others have turned their mosaic skills into profitable businesses, offering commissioned work for installations in homes and public facilities. The ongoing appeal of mosaics lies in their versatility and the ability to combine creativity with craftsmanship, making it a rewarding pursuit for both hobbyists and professional artisans.
Mosaics
History
Mosaic art has been an important part of architectural design for thousands of years. Examples of ancient mosaics have been found in Sumerian tombs, remains of Chaldean architecture, and Egyptian temples. Mosaic techniques also found their way to ancient Greece, Italy, and Asia.
Ancient Greeks primarily made pebble mosaics, and created intricate walkways using the technique. Romans loved the look and feel of mosaic artwork, and incorporated glass mosaics throughout their homes, public baths, and holy places. These two cultures created some of the best-known examples of ancient mosaics, many of which have survived to the present day.
The quality and technique of mosaic art developed greatly during the Byzantine Era. New materials such as gold, silver, marble, and precious gems were introduced, and designs became extremely elaborate. Tesserae, or specially prepared squares of marble, were the preferred material for creating mosaics due to their strength. Elaborate mosaic portraits of officials and religious figures were often designed and installed in public areas.
As the technique developed, mosaic art was adopted by religious groups, especially Christians and Muslims. Islamic mosaics incorporate bold geometric patterns that suggest an early understanding of complex mathematics. Christian mosaics, such as those created for St. Peter's Basilica during the Renaissance, remain some of the most famous throughout the world.
Mosaic art is still popular throughout the world. In the twenty-first century, it is not uncommon for businesses, schools, hospitals, and other public areas to have mosaic floors or art installed, and many mosaic artists decorate their own homes with their work.
Tips & Techniques
It is extremely important when creating large mosaic projects for the home that surfaces be properly prepared. Home supply stores sell appropriate sealers and may offer directions for completing mosaic projects. Depending on the size of a project, stronger adhesives and grout may be necessary to maintain the strength of the piece.
Mosaic tiles may be purchased pre-cut, or a crafter may purchase tile cutters in order to create unique tile pieces from glass, dishes, or pottery. Grout may be purchased already mixed, or in powder form. Adhesive is needed to apply the tiles to the chosen work surface; mosaic adhesive is available at most stores, but smaller projects can be completed with regular craft glue if necessary. For larger projects, a crafter may want to first prime the area that is going to have mosaic applied.
There are two general techniques for applying mosaics: the direct method, and the indirect method. In the direct method, used for smaller projects, each piece is adhered to the surface of the project individually, and then grout is applied. In the indirect method, the mosaic design is laid out, face up, on a flat surface. Once the design is ready, a sheet of adhesive is laid over the top so that all of the tile pieces adhere to the sheet. Adhesive is applied to the area that will display the mosaic, and then the sheet holding the mosaic tiles is lifted and placed onto that area. Once dry, the sheet of adhesive is removed from the top of the tiles and grouting may begin. The indirect method is ideal for working on larger areas, such as walls and floors.
When applying grout, it is important to get grout in all areas and then smooth down the surface as much as possible. Once the grout is dry, use cotton swabs or a damp paper towel to clean grout residue from the surface of the tiles. A sealer may be applied to the project after several hours.
Trends
The creation of mosaics is extremely popular with modern crafters and those who are looking for do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. One of the biggest trends in mosaics is the creation of garden art. Stepping stones, bird baths, and mosaic-covered sculptures are popular among gardening enthusiasts, and allow crafters to personalize their gardens. Household items, such as desk accessories, jewelry boxes, and picture frames are also popular mosaic projects; for some, adding mosaics to older items makes them chic.
The mosaic technique of using smaller objects to create a larger image can be applied to nearly any craft. Mosaics may be made from unusual materials such as nails, photographs, stamps, and even candy. Others have used pushpins, seashells, bottle caps, corks, and guitar picks. Many of those choosing to use glass for their mosaics have turned increasingly to companies that sell recycled glass tiles to support environmental conservation efforts. Computer software can transform a photograph into a mosaic pattern, allowing a crafter to create personalized pieces.
Mosaics for Fun vs. Profit
Creating mosaics can be an extremely satisfying hobby that may also become a profitable business venture. Many crafters sell their mosaic works at fairs, garden centers, and gift shops. The popularity of mosaic projects has increased, and more buyers are interested in mosaic accessories for the home. Mosaic artisans can spread the word about their work by including pictures on social media sites such as Instagram.
Mosaic artisans can create a strong business doing home installations or commissioned work. Businesses and public facilities often look for mosaic designers to create landscape designs, decorative flooring or wall tiles, and general architectural installations. Commissioned work can command thousands of dollars per project.
Artisans with mosaic businesses often teach classes or sell supplies, in addition to producing their own mosaic artwork.
Learning More
Organizations
Society of American Mosaic Artists<https://americanmosaics.org/
Books
Biggs, Emma, et al., editors. The Encyclopedia of Mosaic Techniques: A Step-by-Step Visual Directory, with an Inspirational Gallery of Finished Works. Running Press Book Publishers, 1999.
Cheek, Martin. Mosaic Art: Design and Inspiration. New Holland Publishers, Limited UK.
Docherty, Juliet, et al. The Complete Mosaic Handbook: Projects, Techniques, Designs. Firefly Books, 2004.
Goodwin, Elaine M. Classic Mosaic: Designs and Projects Inspired by 6,000 Years of Mosaic Art. Trafalgar Square, 2000.
Hill, Simona. The Practical Guide to Crafting with Mosaics, Ceramics and Glassware. Anness Publishing, Ltd. 2006.
Mills, Teresa. The Mosaic Artist's Bible: 300 Traditional and Contemporary Designs. Trafalgar Square 2005.