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Buying designs is great fun and does in fact require quite a lot of hard work and research. When all things are considered, making designs oneself might not seem so outlandish in comparison. On Facebook, designer Kris Lajeskie posted a brilliant example of potentially low cost high-end outdoor art. Here, the custom made design replicates a Matisse painting in mosaic.
If you’ve ever tiled a bathroom, you might agree it is amazingly boring but not that challenging once you get the hang of it. Making a simple outdoor mosaic is probably not much harder so long as you plan ahead and have a pattern. An abstract design is even easier. It possibly requires less perfection, too, as light, natural “dirt”, and leaves would “hide” parts that are less state of the art.
Fans of Basquiat, Rothko, etc. can easily have a go. You could also try out ideas from the ultra cutting edge mosaic maker Bisazza, pictured above and below. They have completely rejuvenated the category working with leading designs. Bisazza mosaics are the “catwalk” version of what’s out there but a little creativity and some very affordable tiles can also work.
If you find you’re not the DIY type and your budget permits, hire a designer to help you find the right mosaic tile company to work with or commission a local artist to create one.
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10 Comments
Nancie Mills Pipgras on 03.09.2011 at 16:47 PM
Dear Anne,
It’s so great to have someone point out the potential of mosaics for architectural spaces! As an editor and blogger for Mosaic Art NOW (http://mosaicartnow.blogspot.com) I am always thrilled to see the beauty of this art form in design blogs.
I will challenge you, however, when you say that creating a custom designed mosaic (like the exterior one above) is “probably” not much harder than laying sheets of tile in a bathroom. Au contrair, mon cher! It is safe to say that the majority of tiles used in the Matisse mosaic were each painstakingly cut into specific shapes one piece at a time. By hand.
And those exquisite Bisazza walls? They’re only as exquisite as the hand of the tile-setter who installs them. Installation is an art form in itself.
If you would like to see more possibilities for mosaics, please check out my blog or the site of the Association of American Mosaic Artists (www.americanmosaics.com). There is a world of difference between the mosaics you have shown here and what one picks up at Home Depot!
Thank you for this opportunity! Nancie Mills Pipgras
ANNE on 03.10.2011 at 09:08 AM
I agree and disagree. Of course it takes expertise to manage a fresco – but a simple design for an experienced hand is achievable.
Also tiles are now far better than you think even in the more budget sections
What makes the difference is patience
1000 thx for your detailed view
Anne
JoAnn on 03.10.2011 at 11:22 AM
Hi Anne, wonderful to see you featuring mosaics however you do seem to not understand the difference between laying sheets of tile and creating a mosaic. A patient homeowner with skill can install sheets of tile purchased anywhere. Assuming they have studied the proper adhesives, substrates and grouting techniques. However mosaics by nature are a process of breaking (through waterjet saw, nippers, hammer and hardie) a durable material and putting it back together to create a cohesive whole with attention to andamento (the movement of line), texture and surface depth and often complicated installations (double reverse anyone?). It is an ancient craft that takes tremendous skill and talent.
Jaime on 03.10.2011 at 12:03 PM
Hi JoAnn, I think we’re more looking at this as inspiration to create something artistic yourself. As we have suggested, you can hire an artist to do something complicated or custom but I think the idea we’re trying to get across here is to be creative. We’re not denying that there is skill and precision in the mosaic arts, and I’m sure there are lots of differences between laying tile and creating mosaic art. I think if anyone has an interest in creating a mosaic that they should do proper research first.
JoAnn on 03.10.2011 at 12:34 PM
Hi Jaime, Yes, I agree the post is wonderfully inspired with great examples.Thank you for shining the light on mosaic art!
JoAnn on 03.10.2011 at 12:36 PM
Hi Jamie: I agree, the post shows wonderfully inspired examples. Thank you for shining the light on mosaic art!
David on 03.12.2011 at 02:40 AM
Just to let you know, the Matisse refered to in this article is an original art work by Matisse Commissioned by Francine Brody of Los Angeles. The piece, now hangs in the Los Angeles museum of contemporary art.
Nancie Mills Pipgras on 03.12.2011 at 10:37 AM
Right you are, David. Here is a link to a marvelous blog post from LACMA about the acquisition and moving day. http://ht.ly/4bnw1 Nancie, Mosaic Art NOW
Nancie Mills Pipgras on 03.12.2011 at 10:41 AM
David, I forgot to credit the amazing lilliansizemore.com for correcting me about the nature of the Matisse. She’s teaching at the Getty this week and has promised to visit the ceramic for me.
Lillian Sizemore on 03.12.2011 at 11:13 AM
Thank you for the credit Nancie. I hope to see more articles about how to engage a mosaicist and how to employ contemporary mosaics in the fine interior design setting. What was featured here in this posting may whet appetites for vitreous glass tile installations, and maybe a Matisse, but the world of mosaic is much more complex and rich. Even classically inspired works can be at home in a modern setting. The links provided in comments are a great start. There are professional schools now in the US that teach this fascinating medium and always a good place to start for those who have the DIY bug. see http://www.instituteofmosaicart.com, and http://www.chicagomosaicschool.com thanks again for opening up the dialogue.
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