What's involved in making mosaic art?

• Many hours are spent on preliminary work: developing the concept, photographing subjects for reference, researching the subject and sketching.

• Consideration is given to whether the mosaic is for interior or exterior display, which will affect the materials, substrate and adhesive used.

• The substrate is selected, sometimes hand cut, then prepped.

• Materials are chosen from a huge library of various tessera collected and purchased over many years.

• The design is then sketched onto the substrate.

• Glass, tiles, pottery and other objects are selected for pattern, color and tone.

• Each individual piece is precisely cut and shaped - often smoothed on a grinder, then glued into place with careful consideration and precision to create the desired flow (andamento).

• The finished piece may then grouted if appropriate, sometimes by mixing up several shades of grout to separate or highlight various areas.

• Once cured, the piece is cleaned and polished, then signed and dated.