I have been taking a mosaic class for the past few weeks and I am very close to finishing my first project. I am really excited about it and quite proud of my efforts. I am sure if I continue on with this media I may look back in horror at my craftsmanship on this first piece, but that is ok. You have to start somewhere. I need to finish the head on this guy and then grout the piece so I can start on my next squid.
You can see from the image above that there is a layer of text beneath the glass in the area that is the water. The text is wikipedia info about the octopus. I also have some of my own squid drawings beneath the surface. The words are meant to be a visual texture more than anything else. Working this way feels a bit like collage.
People have asked me if I am going to start doing people's dogs in mosaic. I do have plans for a few Scottie dogs for myself, but I do not think I want to do this on commission. This small 13 x 13 piece will probably end up having over 30 hours of work in it by the time I finish, and so it would be very tough to price work of this nature. I think I would also be frustrated by the limitations you feel when trying to achieve detail. Most clients want their pet portraits to really have a lot of detail and to look a lot like their pets, something hard to achieve in mosaic. Besides, it is fun to be doing something just for me.
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5 comments:
Very interesting, Becca. Why are you doing a Squid, of all animals, for your first project?
Continued fun,
Sheila
Ha, I know I know, why not a Scottie? I dunno, I have just been really drawn to Octopus this year. It is a new interest. They are fun to play with visually. I am going to be starting a long project next week though of a 3-D Scottie, that is life-size. It will take forever to cover in tile.
I work in mosaics (mostly dogs) and so I laughed when you said the thing about looking back on your first project in horror. I look back on my first projects and some things tweak me for sure, but yet others strike me as bold and daring. I didn't know any better so I took chances! I LOVE LOVE the idea of mosaicing over text. Brilliant! Your squid is looking good. I can't wait to see your Scottie mosaic.
P.S. I just read that Linda's "Atticus" is a portrait of your dog. I actually bought that print from Linda a while ago. I don't have any Scotties in my life, but I just loved the print. = )
Hi Christine,
Yea Atticus started my business 9 years ago or at least he was the inspiration. When he passed I wanted to get a portrait done by someone besides myself as a gift for the hubby, he was so broken hearted, of course we both were. Linda did a great job on our Atti.
I'll have to follow your blog link later today and check out your work. Thanks for stopping by.
This is SOOOO GREAT!!!!!!!!
I LOVE mosaic!!!!! What a wonderful project.
Thanks for sharing! You have a lot going on. :)
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