Dragonfly
created by sandra groeneveld
Object: Dragonfly Commission
Materials: Vitreous Glass Tesserae with Medium Black Grout on Concrete
Dimensions: 17.5" Diameter
Method: Direct onto a pre-cast stepping stone.
A commission from Tony for Karen to celebrate her birthday. I spoke to Tony about subject matter and color preferences. He also supplied me with a few pictures of his back yard where the stone would be placed. This was pivotal in not only the choice of colors but the particular design. Their yard is lush and green with sunken terracotta paved areas connected by slate paths. The subject of a dragonfly was requested but its exaggerated proportions and swoopyness was inspired by the seeing the photos. Their yard struck me like a secret hideaway with fairy like creatures flitting about.
Close-ups & Process
01 Detail of dragonfly.
02 Detail of wing.
03 Every close up is a new composition on its own.
04 Some reference, the paper used to transfer the design and the final drawing marked up with ink on the stone.
05 Since the one row of "halo" tiles defines the shape of the wings and particularly the body, I prefer to put in the background first. I use the spacing of the tiles as well as their direction as a design element.
06 Bottles congregate like onlookers, as their contents are considered for possible use as accents.
07 A close look at the tiles stuck down with mortar before grouting.
08 Initially I was going to leave the body only as an extra thick grout line. I liked the coppery tiles so much though, some were applied to the body and a few glints on the tail. This ensured you would not loose site of his long tail and also tied in the border better.
07 A close look at the tiles stuck down with mortar before grouting.
08 Initially I was going to leave the body only as an extra thick grout line. I liked the coppery tiles so much though, some were applied to the body and a few glints on the tail. This ensured you would not loose site of his long tail and also tied in the border better.