POLL: Pohutukawa mosaic - different styles

I have finally completed and photographed the exercise that I started last month. Before designing a larger polymer clay mosaic artwork, I have been experimenting with different styles. Based on a representation of the New Zealand Potohutukawa flower, I have created six small mosaics, on 4" (10cm) square block canvases. Please take part in the poll (to the right) and let me know which style you like best. The results of the Poll have been added at the end of this post.

1 - Simple squares

2 - Micro mosaic

3 - Micro and larger shapes

4 - Design cut into squares

5 - Cut out design and squares

6 - Various shaped pieces

This will be my last post for a while, as I am going back to the UK on Friday (for a couple of weeks) to attend a family wedding and to catch up with family and friends. On my return, I will consider the results from this poll, when I start my first larger scale polymer clay mosaic artwork.

Postscript: Results of the Poll - which mosaic style do you like best?

1. 0%
2. 35%
3. 17%
4. 3%
5. 37%
6. 8%

Thank you to everyone who voted.


I have been busy...

I have not posted for a while but I have been busy. This month, I have been making my own polymer clay mosaic tiles and carrying out a learning exercise. I have used small 4" (10 cm) square canvases as a base for creating a series of small mosaic pieces based on the Pohutukawa flower. There will be six in total, when I have completed this exercise, using different styles of mosaic. I will post some photos when they are all complete.

I am doing this to decide which style of mosaic work to use before I attempt a larger size of mosaic artwork. I have a couple of 12" (30 cm) square canvases that I am intending to work on next - but I am still undecided as to whether to work on board or canvas. The canvas is good because it is all ready made and can be hung straight on the wall, but I am not sure as the size gets larger, if the canvas will start to sag with the weight of the tiles - I will find out when I start one of these larger pieces.

I am also experimenting with different acylic mixtures to grout the tiles as I fear that if I use normal tile grout, it might eat away at the canvas (?). If I stick the tiles on to a wood or MDF base, then I could just use ordinary tile grout. I need to make a decision about which type of base to use soon, before I start to spend time creating larger pieces of artwork.

Two small NZ inspired paintings

I guess everyone has to paint Rangitoto and Pohutukawa flowers. I have completed these two small paintings, titled ‘Rangitoto Island’ and ‘Amongst the Pohutukawa’, to take to Auckland East Arts AGM and party tomorrow. I have joined this art group, after seeing their exhibition marquee at the St Heliers Festival, with the hope that it might provide some opportunities to exhibit.