Thursday, September 8, 2016

Beads, Glass, Stone And Mosaic Tile

By Debra Murphy


When it comes to arts and crafts, there are many different choices when it comes to material. Sometimes these materials are made of fabric, leather or wool, and other times shells, glass and beads. When it comes to Mosaic tile, beads, shells, glass and other glossy materials are most often used in projects. Although, there can be some situations in which other items are also used whether alone or in conjunction with other materials.

Most often, the smaller pieces which are to be laid in a pattern on an object, are quite small. Like with a puzzle, each piece must fit together against one another so as no aspect of the larger piece is showing. In most arts and crafts, these pieces are going to be square, circular, rectangular or octagon in shape. Whereas, there are also floor and garden stones which are large circular or square tiles.

The same goes when trying to place the tiles onto an existing floor tile, or one to be placed on top of another floor when complete. For, it can often be difficult to work with such small pieces, especially when working to place an entire design on top of something else. When it comes to adding mosaic pieces to circular or square stones in the garden, it is often best do to this type work outside in the sunlight. For, not only will the epoxy or glue dry faster, it is easier to get an idea of the type reflection which the glass will provide once the sun hits same.

In all cases, the history behind mosaic art is an interesting and rather lengthy one. For, it began as a popular building element as early as the 3rd millennium B. C. In Greece. Upon depicting different artistic elements from historic prints, artists began devising reprints made of mosaics.

Mosaics gained the most popularity during the time of the Byzantine Empire, and remained a huge part of the art world up until the 15th century. Falling out of fashion shortly thereafter, it took quite some time before the style would be reinvigorated into the art world. Although, that happened once again when Jews began using the small mosaic designs into what is now known as floor mosaics.

During this time, the style became widely used on a number of different religious buildings, palaces and other locations. In fact, mosaics were widely used at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, one of Islam's most religious buildings. After which, mid way into the 6th century, the popularity somewhat waned from society though has since been reborn.

A good example of how mosaic art has been reborn can be found by visiting the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps Project in San Francisco, California. The 16th Avenue project has now been completed in which beautiful mosaic designs now run up the risers of all 163 steps. The project, one which has been in existence since 2003, is now decorated in this style thanks to the Gold Gate Heights Neighborhood Association, with the San Francisco Parks Trust being the fiscal sponsor.

As shown by this and other recent projects, the style is alive and well. While most artists whom work with mosaics are mixed-media specialists, there are also those whom are dedicated to only using mosaics. Whether professional artist, arts and crafts enthusiast, or street artist, there are many ways in which incorporating mosaic style can add flair to a project.




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