Mosaic Methods
The technique of Mosaic is so simple that it was most likely developed independently in many different cultures around the world. The instinctive nature of mosaic, placing one tile after another is quite reminiscent of building work, placing one brick on top of another. However there is certainly a greater delicacy required when creating a mosaic. From the ancient Greeks to the Romans, Mosaics became the norm for the wealthy, decorating floors, walls, bathing areas and even temples and public buildings.
A well designed, coloured and highly finished mosaic would certainly have been a sign of power and prestige in Roman times. Some of the larger ones would have literally thousands of pieces of tile or hand cut 'tessera' within them. Many hours of preparation work and labour would have gone into producing each and every mosaic.
The power of the art form has certainly lasted up until the present day. Contemporary mosacists use almost exactly the same techniques as the ancient Romans would have done. The only difference are the advances in tool technology and the wider choice of materials to use.
In the modern times, mosaic art is used not only as a decoration for the walls and floors, it is seen on pottery, furniture, medallions, windowpanes, archways, etc. Vibrant colors are employed to achieve a contrasting effect for the interiors. Today, mosaic art enjoys an important position in interior decoration. It can be used for creative as well as for religious themes. Mosaics can be made of such exotic materials as coloured ceramics, polished stones from around the world and even stained glass. It is to be seen whether contemporary mosaics will last quite as long as those of the ancient Romans.
There are two main methods of mosaic building: The direct method and the indirect method.
A well designed, coloured and highly finished mosaic would certainly have been a sign of power and prestige in Roman times. Some of the larger ones would have literally thousands of pieces of tile or hand cut 'tessera' within them. Many hours of preparation work and labour would have gone into producing each and every mosaic.
The power of the art form has certainly lasted up until the present day. Contemporary mosacists use almost exactly the same techniques as the ancient Romans would have done. The only difference are the advances in tool technology and the wider choice of materials to use.
In the modern times, mosaic art is used not only as a decoration for the walls and floors, it is seen on pottery, furniture, medallions, windowpanes, archways, etc. Vibrant colors are employed to achieve a contrasting effect for the interiors. Today, mosaic art enjoys an important position in interior decoration. It can be used for creative as well as for religious themes. Mosaics can be made of such exotic materials as coloured ceramics, polished stones from around the world and even stained glass. It is to be seen whether contemporary mosaics will last quite as long as those of the ancient Romans.
There are two main methods of mosaic building: The direct method and the indirect method.
Direct Mosaic Techniques
direct mosaic method. Rhonda Porter 2009.
The direct method of mosaic-building involves affixing the individual tesserae directly onto the surface of the chosen support. Preliminary drawings may be made beforehand on the area to be decorated. The
direct method was a popular approach used by traditional artists in the completion of many famous European wall and ceiling mosaics. It is also used in conjunction with the surfaces of three-dimensional objects,
such as vases. An advantage of this method is that the resulting
mosaic is progressively visable allowing for quick tile adjustments.
One disadvantage of the direct method is that the mosaicist must work at the site to be decorated, which may not be feasible for any length of time.
A modern version of this method is the double direct method and involves working directly on a fiberglass mesh. The mosaic is constructed on the mesh, in the artist's workshop, before being brought to its final location. This enables an artist to utilize this process for large-scale projects.
direct method was a popular approach used by traditional artists in the completion of many famous European wall and ceiling mosaics. It is also used in conjunction with the surfaces of three-dimensional objects,
such as vases. An advantage of this method is that the resulting
mosaic is progressively visable allowing for quick tile adjustments.
One disadvantage of the direct method is that the mosaicist must work at the site to be decorated, which may not be feasible for any length of time.
A modern version of this method is the double direct method and involves working directly on a fiberglass mesh. The mosaic is constructed on the mesh, in the artist's workshop, before being brought to its final location. This enables an artist to utilize this process for large-scale projects.
Indirect Mosaic Techniques
The indirect method of mosaic creation, customarily employed for large-scale commissions with repetitive design elements, requires the components (glass, tiles etc) to be affixed face-down onto a sticky backing. Later, they are transferred to their final destination, flipped and cemented to a wood substrate, or transfered onto walls or floors. When the mosaic is set and dry, the adhesive paper is removed and the piece is grouted. This method is most useful for mosaics with simple or geometric patterns, solid blocks of color, and large projects with repetitive elements, such as mosaic tabletops.
The modern version of this method is the double indirect method, in which the tesserae are placed face-up on a sticky backing 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 underlaying material is removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above.
The modern version of this method is the double indirect method, in which the tesserae are placed face-up on a sticky backing 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 underlaying material is removed, and the piece is installed as in the indirect method described above.
