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Mosaic Art: History, Artists, Techniques, Mosaic Tiles And Supplies
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Published: October 9, 2007
Art history is rich with facts, dates, techniques and names. One aspect of art not often celebrated is that of mosaic art. It looks beautiful when used in restaurants and such, but few know the history and community of artists that continue this tradition today. Mosaic art stems back to over 4,000 years ago with the use of terracotta in the background for decoration.
It has evolved from its European origins and spans across the world with mosaic art being used in varied ways.
After the initial use of mosaic tiles in the background of artwork, artists starting using them to bring depth to a piece. Special pieces, known as "tessarae," were produced to add more detail and an array of color to an artists' work by 200 BC. The history and techniques of mosaic art expanded with the growth of different empires, namely Greek, Roman, Islam and Byzantine. It was the Greeks who made mosaics an art form in the 4th century BC. The Byzantine empire introduced new supplies. They used thick colored glass called smalti as an alternative to tessarae. Islamic mosaic art used all forms of mosaic tiles, including stone, ceramic and glass. Each empire used mosaic tiles to depict different motifs, such as geometrical (Islam/Roman), Christian (Byzantine), and gods (Greek/Roman).
In today's world, it is difficult for many to imagine mosaic tiles as an art form. It is most frequently seen as a way to enhance flooring and tables, but mosaic tiles also offer creative outlets for artists in their work. Back in its inception, small tessarae were used to imitate paintings. Today mosaic tiles are usually used to add a flash of color or texture to a piece. There two major reasons why mosaic art is so undervalued: time and money.
Art supply stores have brushes and paints for reasonable prices quite frequently. To find adequate supplies for mosaic art is almost an anomaly. They are high priced and the selection is usually limited, which is not suitable for creating a detailed masterpiece. Even when the right supplies are found, the time and patience it takes to make mosaic art is too much for many artists to handle.
The techniques for painting something are quite different from the techniques used to make mosaic art. The tiles have to be the right color from the beginning; there is no mixing paints. Gluing the tiles has to be in the right spot the first time; there is no starting over once the glue has dried. Mosaic art is a form reserved for those who truly understand and appreciate its shortcomings.
The next time one comes across a form of mosaic art, take the time to consider all the hard work that went into making it - even if it is a patio floor. It is an ancient art form maintained and improved through the generations. From tessarae to smalti to the mosaic tiles found today, mosaic art represents thousands of years of history. The 21st century may under appreciate it, but that is not to say mosaic art will not make a resurgence in the years to come.
Sources:
Moorman, Joe. "Mosaic Fine Art." Mosaic Art Supply. 2003. 8 Oct. 2007 http://www.mosaicartsupply.com/mosaic-fine-art.htm .
"Mosaic History, Part 2 - Medieval to Modern." The Joy of Shards. 2001. 8 Oct. 2007 http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/history/modern.sht ml.
"The History of Mosaic Art - Mosaics in the Ancient World." The Joy of Shards. 2001. 8 Oct. 2007 http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/history/index.shtm l.
After the initial use of mosaic tiles in the background of artwork, artists starting using them to bring depth to a piece. Special pieces, known as "tessarae," were produced to add more detail and an array of color to an artists' work by 200 BC. The history and techniques of mosaic art expanded with the growth of different empires, namely Greek, Roman, Islam and Byzantine. It was the Greeks who made mosaics an art form in the 4th century BC. The Byzantine empire introduced new supplies. They used thick colored glass called smalti as an alternative to tessarae. Islamic mosaic art used all forms of mosaic tiles, including stone, ceramic and glass. Each empire used mosaic tiles to depict different motifs, such as geometrical (Islam/Roman), Christian (Byzantine), and gods (Greek/Roman).
In today's world, it is difficult for many to imagine mosaic tiles as an art form. It is most frequently seen as a way to enhance flooring and tables, but mosaic tiles also offer creative outlets for artists in their work. Back in its inception, small tessarae were used to imitate paintings. Today mosaic tiles are usually used to add a flash of color or texture to a piece. There two major reasons why mosaic art is so undervalued: time and money.
Art supply stores have brushes and paints for reasonable prices quite frequently. To find adequate supplies for mosaic art is almost an anomaly. They are high priced and the selection is usually limited, which is not suitable for creating a detailed masterpiece. Even when the right supplies are found, the time and patience it takes to make mosaic art is too much for many artists to handle.
The techniques for painting something are quite different from the techniques used to make mosaic art. The tiles have to be the right color from the beginning; there is no mixing paints. Gluing the tiles has to be in the right spot the first time; there is no starting over once the glue has dried. Mosaic art is a form reserved for those who truly understand and appreciate its shortcomings.
The next time one comes across a form of mosaic art, take the time to consider all the hard work that went into making it - even if it is a patio floor. It is an ancient art form maintained and improved through the generations. From tessarae to smalti to the mosaic tiles found today, mosaic art represents thousands of years of history. The 21st century may under appreciate it, but that is not to say mosaic art will not make a resurgence in the years to come.
Sources:
Moorman, Joe. "Mosaic Fine Art." Mosaic Art Supply. 2003. 8 Oct. 2007 http://www.mosaicartsupply.com/mosaic-fine-art.htm .
"Mosaic History, Part 2 - Medieval to Modern." The Joy of Shards. 2001. 8 Oct. 2007 http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/history/modern.sht ml.
"The History of Mosaic Art - Mosaics in the Ancient World." The Joy of Shards. 2001. 8 Oct. 2007 http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/history/index.shtm l.
