{"id":16034,"date":"2019-02-24T02:00:54","date_gmt":"2019-02-24T10:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepolymerarts.com\/blog\/?p=16034"},"modified":"2019-02-24T00:23:35","modified_gmt":"2019-02-24T08:23:35","slug":"mosaic-flow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepolymerarts.com\/blog\/mosaic-flow\/","title":{"rendered":"Mosaic Flow"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Are you familiar with something known as the flow state? This is that space you get in where you are lost in your own little world because you are so wrapped up in what you are doing. It happens quite commonly when people are working on creative projects and it’s a really good thing for you, both because it dissipates stress and because it increases your level of “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. It’s also defined as an \u201coptimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best.\u201d Now, who wouldn’t want that?<\/p>\n

I bring this up because I want to talk about mosaics. I think a lot of people look at all those tiny pieces and think, “That looks like a ton of work!” And, yeah, there might be a lot of steps to putting a mosaic together, but the technique is also one that really gets you deep into a flow state. It can be kind of like doodling but with little pieces.<\/p>\n

It would not be a hard thing to start on. Most of us have access to tons of tiny pieces, either through leftover canes, unused polymer sheets, or failed projects we haven’t had the heart to toss out. Just slice up those canes, cut up those sheets, and\/or start chopping up those cured elements and you have all you need to start creating mosaics. Of course, you can make pieces specifically for mosaics from fresh clay, too!<\/p>\n

Mosaics have been on my mind these last couple weeks because, while working on the latest book, Polymer Journeys 2019<\/a>,\u00a0it became quite apparent that one of the bigger trends making a splash right now is polymer mosaics and so I thought we ought to take a closer look at this not so new but definitely interesting and flexible technique. (By the way, today is the last day to get the Pre-order Sale pricing on Polymer Journeys 2019! Go to the website to get it at 30% off the cover!<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Mind you, being the insanely creative and exploratory artisans and crafters that they are, polymer enthusiasts aren’t just slapping together any old standard expectation of a mosaic. They are mixing mediums, trying out every shape in the book, using three-dimensional forms, and generally just pushing the boundaries of what the mosaic technique is. Gotta love polymer crafters!<\/p>\n

So, let’s take a look at what some people are doing as of late and we’ll end with suggestions for getting into the mosaic flow yourself.<\/p>\n

Different Kinds of Bits & Pieces<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the folks who, at least initially, takes a classic approach to the art form of mosaics but certainly adds her own flavor to it, is Christi Friesen<\/a>. She cuts out squares of polymer, lays a base to adhere them to and then arranges the pieces in pleasing and energetic patterns. But of course, Christi can’t leave well enough alone — she has to add bling and embellishments of all kinds! She’s been mixing in glass, wire, charms, beads, and probably a bunch of other things I will never be able to identify, to create her whimsical tiles, vessels and jewelry. Can’t you just sense the depth of the flow state she must have been in creating this beautiful maelstrom?<\/p>\n

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You could say that Claire Fairweather<\/a>\u00a0is classically inspired too, but her work has a twist to it. That twist is a commitment to circles used to create these wonderful images of graduated color and varied texture. Using round elements instead of squares and straight-sided shapes that join neatly together, leaves more open space but it’s one that has a fairly regular rhythm that flows in and out of the carefully placed circles. This gives the imagery more orderliness and a softer look as you can see in the many sides of her mosaic globe below. (Be sure to jump over to her blog<\/a> to get the rundown on what each side is showing.)<\/p>\n

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Keep in mind that a mosaic piece does not have to be all mosaic. Large swaths can be made up of other types of polymer elements such as textured, silkscreen, impressed, or hand tooled layers or forms. A lot of Susan Crocenzi’s<\/a> work, especially earlier in this decade, consist of entire halves of her pieces being a kind of polymer landscape, surrounded by glass mosaics or a mix of mosaic mediums. Here is just one example below but you can find more on her website too<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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For all of you mad caners out there, here is an example of how beautifully energetic a piece can be just by arranging thick cane slices on a simple form. This bib necklace\u00a0is a yet-to-be-hung creation by Ivy Niles<\/a>, who makes some of the most impressive canes. You can see how much more impressive they are when working together in this off-center\u00a0mandala type pattern.<\/p>\n

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If you really like the idea of doing mosaics don’t relegate your sources of inspiration to the work of polymer artist’s, as unique as they may be. Take a look at what glass and tile mosaic artists are doing these days as well (just type “mosaic art” into your favorite browser or an\u00a0image-centric site, like Pinterest or Instagram) if for no other reason than there is some amazing and gorgeous work out there to enjoy. Here is a gorgeous piece by Francis Green<\/a> in what seems to be a rare piece of wall art. This woman will mosaic anything she can get her hands on! She kinda reminds me of some unbridled polymer artist with their canes. Just take a look at her website.<\/a><\/p>\n

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The How-Tos of Mosaics<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, are you itching to try some mosaics now? Here are a few places you could start:<\/p>\n