CRAFT PROFILE: Mosaic

In the first of a new series of craft profile posts, Verity Warne of Made by Loulabelle takes a look at mosaic:

‘Mosaic is a weird thing to do...’ comments mosaic artist and tutor Jo Thorpe, ‘People don't really know how it can be used, they just think of bathroom tiles.’ Yet, it’s a surprisingly flexible craft – decorative or communicative; simple in its smallest form, complicated in its whole; embedded in history but contemporary; equally at home in the most private or public of spaces; made from shells, pebbles, broken crockery or gilded glass.

History
Mosaic’s long history spans many civilisations and locations. Some of the oldest is found in ancient Mesopotamian architecture, dating from as early as 2600BC. The Greeks elevated the technique to an art-form, introducing precise motifs and detailed scenes of people and animals. By 200BC, small tiles (‘tesserae’) were cut from stone enabling finer detail and a wider palette of colours.

The Romans adopted mosaic as their own, spreading the craft across their expanding empire – Julius Caesar carried mosaic floors on his war campaigns. As the craft progressed, the introduction of lighter, glass tiles lifted mosaic from the floor. During the Byzantine era, shimmering gold and multi-coloured glass mosaics adorned the walls and ceilings of the new Christian churches. Mosaic became important within Islamic art, where the need for decoration avoiding depictions of living things, as required by Islamic law, made geometric mosaic motifs the perfect answer.

In the Western world, mosaic declined as an art form with the advent of Renaissance art and the great Fresco painters. However, it enjoyed a revival in the 19th century – particularly in public spaces and buildings and Art Nouveau artists, such as Antoni Gaudi, incorporated broken crockery and other found objects (a folk art technique) to formal architecture in the early 20th century.

The Experts
The craft’s varied history and traditions offer today’s mosaic artist a multitude of inspirations and techniques.. The painterly work of Jo Thorpe demonstrates how beautifully mosaic can be integrated into the modern home. Particularly gifted at colour, Jo’s work is influenced by textiles, art and nature. ‘Mosaic has the most beautiful surface quality, like a disco ball but more refined. Unlike mixing paint we don't have an endless palette to work with - there are possibly just three pinks being manufactured in glass tiles today - so we must be creative when it comes to colour. This for me is one of the most satisfying elements.’

Peacock by Jo Thorpe

Oxford based artist Clare Goodall has a particular love for using the used and discarded in her work. ‘I start by surrounding myself with broken plates and crockery that have sparked an interest in me- maybe it's the colour, the pattern of a leaf or the texture of the pottery. The process of cutting, shaping and assembling starts my imagination on a visual journey. Before long I have an idea I want to convey - making 'Autumn Reflections' was like taking a walk in the countryside collecting leaves, twigs, and berries!’

Autumn Reflections by Clare Goodall

Mosaic is not just a decorative art, however: ‘Craftivist’ Carrie Reichart uses mosaic to communicate all she is passionate about. Her house (known as the Treatment Rooms) was recently termed a ‘message board in mosaic’ by The Guardian and comes complete with a mosaic’ed car, ‘the Tiki Love Truck’. Her most recent project Phoolan, was part of the London Elephant Parade highlighting the plight of the near extinct Asian elephant.

Phoolan by Carrie Reichardt

Method
There are two fundamental techniques for creating mosaic:

1. direct (applying the tile directly to the final surface); and
2. indirect (sticking the tiles face down on paper, then flipping on to an adhesive-coated surface).

The direct method is ideal for small objects (pots, photo frames) and great for beginners. The indirect method works better for intricate patterns or larger projects.

Tools & Materials

A basic mosaic ‘kit’ is easy to put together in one visit to the hardware shop. Essentials include:

• Tiles, crockery, or other mosaic fodder
• Heavy-duty tile nippers
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles
• Tile grout
• Cement-based tile adhesive
• Paintbrushes
• Dust mask
• Brown paper and water soluble PVA or mosaic fibre mesh (for the indirect method)

‘It's an addictive art form, and so easy to get started on’ says Clare, ‘Mosaic is a wonderful opportunity to make order out of chaos, and beauty out of the broken.’

If you fancy trying your hand at a spot of mosaic at home, check out this fantastic Tutorial by Janine Nelson of Smashing Chintz.

For further info:

British Association for Modern Mosaic
The Mosaic Workshop
The Joy of Shards
Jo Thorpe

(work and courses)

Clare Goodall

(work and courses)

Carrie Reichardt