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Summary |
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Tesserae of varying forms are created using unglazed ceramic
floor tiles, and placed onto model-clay coated plates. These plates serve as
a stock from where the tesserae can be retrieved to create the mosaic. The
mosaic itself is built onto model-clay coated canvas. This allows to
position the tesserae in a free standing manner, to easily rearrange them
and to set them rather tight. To install the final backing, the underlying
canvas is replaced by a latex adhesive coated plywood-board. Acryl
spray-painting is used for coloration. |
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The described method (TSM) is an indirect mosaic-method
different from commonly used procedures allowing to concentrate fully on the
artistic intent. |
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Creation of
the tessarae |
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Tesserae are prepared from ordinary unglazed ceramic floor
tiles. The preferred colors are beige, sand, gray and red.
The preferred
size is19.4 x 19.4 x 1 cm (8" x 8" x 1/4"). Using a heavy
duty tile cutter this allows to produce 64 squares/tile of about 2.1 x 2.1
cm (7/8" x 7/8"), a suitable size to create rather optimal
size-distributions of tesserae. The remaining elements in the 2.1 x 1.1 cm (7/8" x 1/4")
range
can be used to build the border. |
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M11 shows a
conventional heavy-duty tile-cutter equipped with a shift-device. |
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Coloration
of tesserae (Spray-painting) |
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For coloration acryl based spray-paint is used. Tesserae are placed onto clay-coated plates about 1 cm (3/8") apart from
each other. This allows the paint to
cover the sides as well as the top. The spray-painting occurs from a distance of about 30 cm (12"). |
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If the intended color of the
tesserae is, say, yellow, the tesserae of original sand color is the most
suitable base since minimal color may be necessary to produce the desired
effect. Correspondingly, original red tesserae would be the best base for
dark painted colors. Color mixing can be achieved by using e.g. two spray cans
simultaneously, or by adding a final touch with a different color at
the end of the process. For color tones or mixtures difficult to reproduce,
it is advisable to complete all spray-painting in a single session. |
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Acryl based spray-paint is easily
available in hard-ware stores, and provided in a large
variety of colors. It is inexpensive, fast drying and
easy to use. For durability, spray-paint rated for both interior and
exterior application should be used. |
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Work-table |
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M51 shows a work-table measuring about 6' x
8'. It allows to handle two mosaics up to of 3' x 4' each. |
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Installing
of the canvas |
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The canvas, preferentially of the same size as
the final backing, is placed onto a rather flat piece of plywood of equal
dimensions as shown above in M51. |
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Drafting of
the motive |
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The design is lightly traced onto the
surface of the
- model clay coated - canvas using a needle type of tool. A pre-drawn grid
may facilitate the design transfer. |
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M54 shows some tracing lines together with some tesserae and tools |
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Setting of
the tessarea |
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To avoid sticking the tesserae are set onto the clay-covered
canvas using rather minimal pressure. Changes are easily accomplished. Entire lines consisting of up to about 12 tesserae can
eventually be
displaced in a
single move. |
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M57 shows a mosaic in the making.
Having the tesserae available on plates, allows to select desired colors,
shapes, and sizes nearly at will. A tight fit is mostly possible, eventually
requesting some nipping at the base. Rarely a piece needs to
be prepared from scratch. The tightness achieved precludes the need for grouting. |
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