Kelsey Herber, School Programs Associate
We are back in the FWMoA studio and this week our inspiration is drawn not from one artwork or artist, but from a discipline subtly utilized in many media throughout our galleries, and throughout history, at any given moment: mosaic.
In its most basic sense, a mosaic is created by arranging small, colored elements in a pattern that makes a larger composition. We normally associate stone or glass as the most typical mosaic materials, as seen in Robert Palusky’s mixed media sculpture One Plus One = One. But many artworks in our permanent collection challenge that norm with different materials; the intricate pointillism in Liz Quisgard’s body of work, for example, is composed in a manner that resonates with the placement practices of mosaic.
While it may be a tall order to get our hands on typical mosaic materials, we can still create a beautiful mosaic with items we find at home. This activity is great for practicing small details, working with various materials, and even just making something cool out of unexpected objects you have laying around! Mosaic-making can also be altered in countless ways to fit different needs or outcomes, but the building blocks stay the same. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own mosaic.
Materials:
- Assortment of beans
- Air dry clay or salt dough
- Smooth work surface
- Water
Optional materials:
- Paint brush
- Plastic knife
- Rolling pin
- Mod Podge or clear liquid glue
To start, roll out your desired amount of clay the same way you would roll out cookie dough: flat and somewhat thin. Then, use a pencil or the end of your paint brush handle to lightly etch your design outline into the clay.
Once your design is applied, use your tweezers to place the individual beans into place. Keep color and size in mind as you select different beans. Use your fingers to lightly press the beans about halfway into the clay. This will secure their position; you can also do this after all beans are placed in case you need to reposition or replace any beans.
After you’ve placed and secured your beans, take one more step to ensure they don’t shift as the clay dries and shrinks. Use the handle end of a plastic knife or paint brush (something with a dull point) to press the clay up against the edges of the beans, especially around the outside and between larger gaps. Apply water with a paintbrush as needed to smooth the clay.
Then, use a plastic knife to cut the excess clay from around your mosaic. I left extra clay around the edges of mine as a sort of border in order to ensure no beans would break off of the edges. Once your border is cut, use your fingers and water to smooth the freshly-cut edges on the front and back.
Leave the finished mosaic to dry for about a day, keeping it on a flat surface to avoid warping as it dries. Once the clay is completely dry (it may appear slightly lighter in color), use a paint brush to carefully apply a thin top coat of Mod Podge or other clear-drying liquid glue over the front of your mosaic, making sure to cover all tight spaces between beans. Allow the top coat to dry for a day.
Finally, your mosaic is complete! If you used the same bag of mixed beans as me, you should have plenty left over to create countless other mosaics or a nice soup.
For more inspiration on your next art project, plan your visit to the Fort Wayne Museum of Art at fwmoa.org!