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.
Very interesting, Becca. Why are you doing a Squid, of all animals, for your first project?
ReplyDeleteContinued 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteP.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,
ReplyDeleteYea 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!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE mosaic!!!!! What a wonderful project.
Thanks for sharing! You have a lot going on. :)