When I make a mosaic, I am cutting and assembling tesserae (small individual tiles) into a design or image. Many of the techniques that I use are the same that were used in antiquity. The tiles that I use may be vitreous glass, stained glass, smalti (a beautiful Italian glass used in ancient times), stone, ceramic or porcelain. I sometimes work directly, by putting each piece onto the final substrate. Other times I may work indirectly, by gluing the tile in reverse to paper so that I can work on smaller sections and then reassemble the mosaic on site.

Each tile is hand cut and placed to build the desired image. When cutting the tiles I use only hand tools. I use the traditional hammer and hardie, (which the Romans used) to cut stone, smalti and hard fired tiles. For other materials, I might use special glass cutters or tile nippers. Each hand cut tile is unique in and of itself, and when they are assembled as a cohesive whole, it makes a truly unique work of art.

To achieve different looks I lay the tile in different patterns. Known by their Latin names; opus tessellatum, opus vermiculatum, opus pallidinium. I can also vary the spacing, materials or even whether or not I finish the mosaic with grout. For my modern mosaics, I often set the tiles on edge and vary the angles for a completely different look and to enhance the texture and flow.

I take great pride in my work, so whether you purchase a pre-made mosaic or commission a custom work of art, you can rest assure that it is made to the highest standards and the finest workmanship. I love what I do and that reflects in my work.

bkat1@roadrunner.com