mercredi 7 septembre 2016

Arts And Crafts Using Mosaic Tile

By Debra Murphy


In defining mosaic, it is a piece of art or image made from the assembly of small pieces of mirrored glass, colored stone and other materials. Most often, it is used in decorating arts and crafts. Some common items which are decorated with Mosaic tile in this manner are plates, pots and garden stones.

When it comes to a craft project such as making a tray, generally an individual will lay pieces in a pattern on top of the tray. While it may be tempting to glue the pieces as one lays them on the base, this is not a good idea. For, while the pieces of different colors and shapes may appear as if the shapes will fit together, there could be some instances in which this is not the case.

While there are also larger art projects which use mosaics on stone garden tiles and steps, these can be rather daunting. In addition, when creating a piece that will be left outdoor in the elements, it is always good to spray some type of waterproofing on the finished object. Otherwise, the elements such as rain, wind, sleet and snow can have a negative impact on the completed piece.

Regardless of use, mosaic design has one of the most interesting histories when it comes to having been used in building design. For, the first mosaic design was discovered in Greece in the 3rd millennium. Since that time, it has become far more widespread, having found its way into the middle-ages and now the 21st century.

The style flourished in the Byzantine Empire up until the 15th century. After which, it fell out of fashion during the Renaissance. While this is the case, artists such as Raphael and other masters continued to practice the technique. Then, in the 5th and 6th centuries, Jews began using mosaics to decorate floor tiles, resulting in what is now known as floor mosaics.

The style became wildly popular with religious buildings and establishments. Whether the Christian basilica or the Roman Empire, mosaics were all the rage. For, it appeared as though one could see the light of God as shone through the mini-glass pieces placed within the design.

One of the best and most amazing modern pieces to display this style art can be found in San Francisco, California. For, the 16th Avenue Tile Steps Project is a good example of this newly revived art form. The project, which began in 2003 to place designs on each of the 163 steps at the corner of 16th Avenue and Lenox Drive, has been no small undertaking.

As shown by this major project, modern artist still have quite an imagination and desire to create when it comes to mosaic art. Professional artists, street artists and arts and craft enthusiasts all love playing with this media. For, it is one of the few projects which an individual can start and complete in a day, a week, a month or a lifetime.




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