Mosaic is an art form which uses small pieces of materials placed together to create a unified whole. The materials commonly used are glass, ceramic, marble, pebble, mirror, shells and china.
Mosaic Terminology:- Tessera- are an individual tile in a mosaic
- Andamento- is the word used to describe the movement and flow of Tesserae.
- Opus- is the way in which the pieces are cut and placed varies and is known.
- Memoryware - collage of personal objects with connections to everyday life
- Pique assiette- shard art, blending of fragmented pieces of broken pottery and other collectibles which are then cemented onto a base
- Ciottoli- pebbles used in mosaics
- Smalti- colored glass or enamel or a piece of either used in mosaic work
- Vitreous tile - square glass mosaic tiles
- Opus Tessellatum- Tesserae lay in regular straight lines like bricks.
- Opus Regulatum- Vertical and horizontal lines in regular grid.
- Opus Vermiculatum- Flowing lines of tesserae wriggling over the surface.
- Opus Musivum- Vermiculatum used totally over image and background.
- Opus Palladianum- Irregular fitting shapes like crazy paving.
Mosaic techniques:
There are three main methods used to create Mosaic Tile Art: the direct method, the indirect method and the double indirect method.
- The direct method of mosaic construction involves directly placing (gluing) the individual tesserae onto the supporting surface. This method is well suited to surfaces that have a three-dimensional quality, such as vases. The direct method suits small projects that are transportable. Another advantage of the direct method is that the resulting mosaic is progressively visible, allowing for any adjustments to tile colors placement. How to create mosaic tile using the direct method.
- The indirect method of applying tesserae is often used for very large projects, projects with repetitive elements or for areas needing site specific shapes. Tiles are applied face-down to a backing paper using an adhesive, and later transferred onto walls, floors or craft projects. This method is most useful for extremely large projects as it gives the maker time to rework areas. Mosaic murals, benches and tabletops are some of the items usually made using the indirect method, as it results in a smoother and more even surface.
- The double indirect method can be used when it is important to see the work during the creation process as it will appear when completed. The tesserae are placed face-up on a medium (often adhesive-backed paper or sticky plastic) as it will appear when installed. When the mosaic is complete, a similar medium is placed atop it. The piece is then turned over, the original underlying material is removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above. In comparison to the indirect method, this is a fussy system to use and leads to a significant probability of damaging the work.
