Part 2 - Reversible Mixed Media Glass on Glass Mosaic

Part one of my discussion of my "Fire and Rain" glass on glass mosaic can be found here: http://blog.mosaicsmith.com/2012/07/reversible-mixed-media-glass-on-glass.html

Both sides of "Fire and Rain"

I should clarify- this mosaic is a bit more than a simple glass on glass project. It is really all about layers and could more properly be described as a glass sandwich where a pane of clear glass is the 'filling' and the 'bread' on each side are two unique, but related, mosaics. In addition, the focal flower on the 'fire' side is mosaiced on an additional layer of curved clear glass for the petal. (This process is the focus of Part 1, linked above.)

This post will focus on the process and design decisions for the 'rain' side mosaic.



The 'fire' side needed an upbeat mood.  Clear, vibrant, colors were chosen for that side and the leaves were oriented in a predominantly upbeat position as well. The grout lines for the sky were deliberately random but piece sizes graduated smaller going toward the horizon to give an expansive feeling to the sky. Brighter blue in the upper sky and blue/purple for the lower were chosen to help lead the eye down, as were the predominantly slanting groutlines in the sky.  Flower stem and leaf center vein lines help lead the eye around to the focal flower.

'Fire" side of "Fire and Rain" - detail

But for the 'rain' side, I wanted a more somber mood. Muted colors were key but were carefully chosen so each area was distinct. The central flower is still the focus but construction here was completely different from the 'fire' side.

Textured glass was used where the petals folded from the weight of the rain; very smooth glass for the un-folded portions.

First, the petal shapes were cut in one large piece each, then the petal was scored/broken along vein lines. The pieces, when reassembled and glued in place, had barely any space for grout but enough that a subtly deeper tone of grout defined the vein lines. Click photo for larger view.

Leaf orientation is more somber on this side with their more vertical placement. Stronger emphasis on flower stems both aid in eye movement and contribute to a less-lush feel.

Both sides of "Fire and Rain" - viewed in sunlight

When working glass on glass, the importance of light must also be considered. Especially how the opaqueness of glass and grout on each side interact.

So the light would shine through the 'fire' side central flower, all the flower glass chosen was opaque enough to stand alone in dim light situations but translucent enough to let sunlight make the flowers glow.

Leaf and grass glass is all very opaque but the sky glass on both sides transmit light well. Narrow sky grout lines on the 'rain' side give that side a rain effect but, since they are narrow, only add subtle depth to the 'fire' side sky.

Finishing details: Mosaic is set into a wood frame with a black patina and secured with hand crafted solid copper L brackets that have been hammered and also have a black patina. Mosaic title and artist signature are engraved on small copper plates.

"Fire and Rain" has sold.

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