The basics of mosaicking for striving mosaic artists
Beginners’ guide to mosaic art
If you are about to embark on a mosaicking adventure, but you are not exactly sure about what to pay attention to the most or how to approach a particular issue concerning the process or design, you have wandered into the right corner of the internet.
First of all, it is of utmost importance to determine why you want to start creating a mosaic artwork in the first place. Think about it. Are you just looking for a fun DIY project? Have some cracked pottery and you don’t want to throw it away? Looking for something therapeutic to get your mind off of problems? Want to learn a new skill and find a new way to earn in the process? Need a creative outlet to help you cope with some mental issues?… See what I did there?
What I’m trying to so eloquently say is that mosaic art would work like a charm on all of those things and numerous others as well. It is important to keep your reasoning in mind because you shouldn’t start mosaicking just because you want to be the next Sonia King or Maurice Bennett. Mosaic is the work of love and passion and it usually comes from that quiet corner within you, the one that starts ruling you when you start quietly rearranging your tesserae. That is how every great mosaic artist started and skill and prominence came slowly afterward.
When you are starting out something new you want to have fun and fall in love with your work while you are getting to know the sole basics of it. With mosaic artwork, you don’t want to start worrying about perfect mosaic design, too much grout, or uneven edges right away. The perfect way to avoid that and just have an easy time, in general, is by starting off with mosaic planters or doing some pavement fix-ups or embellishments around your garden.
Projects like these are easy, fun, and relaxing. You can make your work look abstract and mosaic without a well-thought-out design, or you can go for a simple easy-to-do design involving two or three colors or repeating patterns. Either way, the simpler the better.
Once you’ve established what your first project will be, you should make sure you have the proper working space. At first, you probably won’t need too much space since you’re starting small, but it is best if you can ensure some larger space for later. the bigger the better, because you never know how far you’ll want to develop your new interest. Maybe you’ll take on some large-scale commission, or you’ll want to work with fellow mosaicists. Garages or big shacks are perfect for starters.
Next, you should make sure you have the right adhesive. Most mosaicists work with glass and marble, and most opt for cement-based mortar. This particular adhesive usually sounds simplistic to novices, so they tend to go for some more expensive solutions thinking they will do better, and sometimes they do. Whether you’ll use acrylic-based adhesive, epoxy raisins, or mortar depends on the final location of your mosaic artwork.
One of the worst things that could happen is that you start working and your focus is at its all-time high and then you realize you don’t have a hammer or a sponge or some other seemingly unimportant tool. So, before you start, make sure you have everything you might need. Prep your spatula, rubber gloves, safety glasses, pencils, tile nippers, hammers, and a sponge. Don’t let some minor mishaps ruin your creative process.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid. Working with a bunch of colorful tesserae can look intimidating at first, so just relax. Look at them like tiny little stress relievers and let them work their magic because they sure have it.
This article was originally published on Mosaics Lab’s website.
