Monthly Mosaic Blog

The last few months have not brought me into the studio as often as I would like.  I was able to finish my full moon mosaic minus the grouting which I will finish this month.  I am thinking of using a brownish red grout that I have.  I may use white grout for the moon to define that even more.  I thought it would be interesting to try a more organic soft look without the shine of glass and beads which I am more accustomed to.  I do like the feel and look of this and may do more. 

 

 

I used strictly Cinca unglazed tiles which come from Portugal.  I thought it would be a nice challenge since I have not used these just on there own and have a limited palette of colors.  I was planning on using the Azul (darker blue) for the background in my original sketch but found that when I went to do the background it was too close in tone to the Verde (green) that it would have washed the vines away.  So I ended up using the Brown for the background.  I thought this added nicely to the warm tones of the mosaic.  I think the black tiles would have given it a colder feel.

 

 

The Cinca tiles are easy to cut and you can use either side since the color goes all the way through, unlike other tiles. They are 7/8" x 7/8" square. When you receive them they come on a paper backing that you have to soak in warm water for a short time in which they then come off easily.  They cut very nicely with the wheeled nippers.

In June I took an art/yoga retreat at the Madeline Island Art School and found it VERY inspiring to get out my paints again and start an art journal.  I may be filling pages which could become some cool mosaics in the end.  Who knows?  It is always fun to switch gears once in awhile when we need a break from the same old routine.  Always fun to learn new things.

Speaking of learning...I am taking a ten day workshop with Guilio Mennosi the end of this month!  He is from Udine, Italy and studied in Milan under the tutelage of his master Domenico Colendani.  In 1976 he opened his own studio in Udine and is regarded as a master of high quality mosaic works employing fine technique and design.  I will be learning how to do precision cutting and technique that was used by the old masters.  The work that we will create will be done using the double reverse method on paper with smalti.  Very Intensive and VERY cool!

Goals for the month (not too many since I will be gone quit a bit)
Finish grouting Full Moon
10 day workshop with Menossi
Figure out a sketch for my next piece

Quote of the Month
"You are in the driver's seat of your life and can point your life down any road you want to travel.  You can go as fast or as slow as you want to go-and you can change the road you are on at any time."
                                                                                        -Jinger Heath