Embedded Files
Object: Carillon's Koi Commission
Materials: Vitreous Tile on BackerBoard with Epoxy Grout and Aluminum Frame
Dimensions: 48" x 48"
Method: Indirect with Tile Tape
Bok Tower Gardens, in Central Florida, is an inspiration and a place of regular visits for my client. Her children grew up visiting the Koi who live at the foot of the Bok’s Carillon Tower.
The mosaic commission was the final step for the long process of a garden upgrade. This focal point was to bring the Carillon's Koi even closer and the selection of the design became a collaborative family affair.
As often is the case with a commission, this initially was not my personal favorite design. This composition, however, allowed me to fully indulge in my most prized aspect of a mosaic: the andamento. Lithe fish effortlessly flow between lily pads in the fluid water. Bold from a distance, there is plenty to please the eye when you take a stroll for a closer look.
Close-ups
Close-ups
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Process
Process
07 A new wall to obscure pool equipment was the focus for the sightline from one side of the house.
08 The contractor left a 4 x 4 foot area clear of the stucco for the mosaic. A crisp finished edge defined the area for the mosaic perfectly. The 4-foot 2x4 is a quick way to reconfirm the size and flatness of the surface.
09 Three passes at various designs made the winner float to the top.
10 Colors are tested on sample boards with grout.
This is crucial in eliminating colors which are not effective in the mix.
11 While the selected tile colors are ordered and being shipped, I start work enlarging the design up to 4'x4'. The drawing is in reverse, ready for the use of tile tape.
12 Out comes the BackerBoard, frame & hardware to build and prepare the substrate.
13 Christmas in February, tiles arrive!
14 A shout-out to "Wits End" for including a note with their tile shipment. I prefer the old paper backed tile days, but the tip that warm, soapy water helps avoid sticky residue on the tape backed tiles was such help. It worked great.
15 One more prep step: tiles drying in the sun.
16 While the wet tiles sunbathe, I start cutting all my colors into quarters: the main unit size.
17 Tile tape is placed over the lily pad and tiles are then adhered face (good side) down.
18 I redrew the "cartoon" on brown paper to reduce the contrast with the tiles. This makes judging the interstices easier.
19 Moving on with the background. Since the Koi swim through the andamento of the water, I wanted the background done first. This will make blending the fins and tail into the flow much more stratight forward.
20 The 4' x 4' was the perfect size to spin on my worktable. It was a pleasure being able to work on the background as one complete element.
21 A piece of cardboard painted to just the right shade of grey was occasionally slipped under the tile tape to see how the colors are working together. You can see where it is & isn't in the bottom right side of the photo.
22 Moving on to the next lily pad.
23 Now to the bright colors of the Koi.
24 While working on the fin, I adjust the background as needed for flow: easy to do when working with tile tape.
25 It was so satisfying having such fluid subjects.
26 Just when one really gets in the zone: somebody wants lunch.
27 Large Koi complete.
28 "Peekaboo Koi" needed special consideration to make sure it felt shaded under the lily pad.
29 Finished Peekaboo Koi.
30 Finished Sidekick Koi.
31 Finished Hero Koi.
32 Out comes the X-Acto knife to cut up the work.
33 Finally seeing the design in its proper orientation; dry fit on the substrate. Alignment marks are drawn on the tile tape to help with re-assembly.
34 I like marking the sections as they are disassembled briefly before mortaring them into place. Selecting a good order to put them down again ensures a seamless piece.
35 Last piece to set in place.
36 Pulling off the tile tape when mortar has a little time to cure. The beauty of the glass finally revealed.
37 As I pull off the tape, I scrape out any mortar that has squeezed through too far. Doing this before it is fully cured is important.
38 A border of 1/2-sized tiles is now added to finish things off.
39 Medium grey epoxy grout ties all the colors together. Six anchor point areas are left open.
40 Caps to cover the anchor points are prepared & grouted. A few days to let the materials cure and the mosaic is ready to deliver.
Installation
Installation
41 The contractor who built the wall kindly took care of attaching the mosaic with stainless steel tapcons to the cement wall.
42 Prepping the anchor areas which need to be covered with tile.
43 First cap installed.
44 A small batch of epoxy is mixed up. Its application will make the tile caps completely undistinguishable from the rest of the mosaic.
45 In time, the Bougainvillea will soften the wall as it nestles the mosaic in greenery.
46 What a thrill to have had a small part in this lovely garden design.
47 Signed,
48 sealed,
49 and delivered.
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