Embedded Files
Object: Sheldon
Materials: Stone on Cement Board
Dimensions: 15.25" x 20"
Method: Direct with mortar
A new addition to our household, a feral kitten inspired this piece. Touching, let alone hugging him was initially not an option, hence his name. Yes, a nod to the Big Bang Theory. Sheldon is now a brave boy, gnawing happily on our toes and otherwise livening up the home front.
All the time spent trying to earn his trust had me marveling at the delicate striping of his fur and the slight apprehension always present in his eyes. A drawing of him focused on these elements and the rest was translating that into stone. The golden travertine gives me the tan base to darken or lighten with other stones of various values. This to me is more drawing than anything else.
Something new for me is the use of aluminum for the whiskers. I am usually pretty much a purist in keeping the materials homogeneous but this seemed like an acceptable place to break my rule. It also works well since the material is repeated in the aluminum frame, also a first for my work.
On Display at these two exhibitions:
"A Fractured Perspective" at CityArts Factory - Gallery 29, Orlando FL
July 21 - August 12, 2016
"Contemporary Mosaic Art Summit 2016 Exhibition" at Thorndike Gallery, Ashland OR
September 17 - October 16, 2016
Close-ups & Process
Close-ups & Process
01 Detail
02 I cut aluminum framing for this piece. A test for larger work which would require very durable light edging. Since I like to work on HardieBacker cement board, I tie the frame and substrate together with wood strips and stainless steel screws.
03 My drawing on the prepped cement board. The yellow lines are to guide me with the flow of the tiles. With mosaic, areas covered in one color are especially important to exploit fully by using andamento wisely.
04 Start on the head. In order to make tapered whiskers, I pound the tips of the cut aluminum strips thin.
05 I regularly sprits the stone with water to better see the values of the stone. Washing it when finished will remove all the dust and bring out the colors.
06 I did not like the flow of the tiles on an area of the back. A hammer and chisel is used to start removing pieces.
07 The offending area is scraped clean. Since I work direct, this removal has to occur before the mortar cures too much.
08 What am I? Chopped liver? Schmeagol wonders why she is not the main subject. There is an approved cat area in my lab, but sometimes personal attention is demanded.
09 Almost done with the Sheldon's body. I almost always leave the eyes until last. Then you can turn on the light.
10 The background is filled in with a pattern that does not have any strong direction. I wanted it to be unobtrusive and not call attention to itself.
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