Embedded Files
Object: Cosmetropolis SOLD
Materials: Vitreous Glass and Smalti with Grey Grout on Cement Board
Dimensions: 51" x 21"
Method: Direct
This is a sign for the lobby of a hair salon. All their rooms have a funky 50's-60's feel. The lobby had random squares painted on the walls in colors matching the logo. The whole place has a light and fun atmosphere.
The available wall space and the existing decor inspired the design of the background. The logo and its colors were merely to be translated to glass. I chose "smalti" for the letters. The extra thickness in addition to their lively irregular surface gives a wonderful contrast to the flat tiles used on the background.
Close-ups & Process
Close-ups & Process
01 The smalti letters are a bit raised above the flat background tiles, which have a sprinkling of irridescent pieces that glimmer as you walk by.
02 The letters were not grouted.
03 Detail
04 The smalti letters were first assembled on separate boards. Once done, I embedded them in mortar on the sign's base.
05 Letters done.
06 Stars added, as well as the letter shadows. This really made them pop. I did not put shadows on the stars. It would have been too noodley with all those fine lines. Instead, I used the patterns of the background to give them a little more interest. The word Cosmetropolis though, is the main focus.
07 The halo is added, ready for the background. Beside the work in progress is the sample board I made to test things out as well as getting a buy off from the clients.
08 Background done, ready to grout.
09 The frame was attached first so I could grout into it.
10 I finally decided on my mark. It is a simplified version of what I have used to hide my signature on the magazine covers and the animated movies I have worked on in my past lives. Can you see the windsurfer fly?
11 Kiwi stood guard making sure the sign stayed safe before delivery.
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