The mosaics created by the Greeks and Romans have worldwide renown.
Ceramic art has been around for centuries, having first started in China before undertaken by the Greeks and Romans. The result of this has been the worldwide market in mass-produced decorative tiles. Although not as well-known an art medium as it once was, ceramic tile art has several advantages. Tiles are durable, easy to mount and hold color well. Consider these ceramic tile art projects the next time you experience that creative urge.
Mosaics
Known worldwide, the huge mosaics constructed by the ancient Romans and Greeks were made from thousands of tiny pieces of ceramics, glass and stone. Mosaics served in place of pictures in the floors and on the walls of Grecian or Roman households. Easily recreate this at home on a smaller scale. Break up single color tiles and glue them with tile adhesive to a backboard.
Tile Art
The idea of using ceramic tile instead of canvas started in China and Japan. Artists used to draw intricate designs on tiles and sell them. This changed into the modern idea of decorative tiling. For a home project, find blank untreated tiles available from any home improvement or art store. Paint a landscape scene with paints and spray when dry with polyurethane spray to protect the tile.
Marquetry
Often associated with wooden inlays in furniture, marquetry can also be achieved with tiles. This is very similar to mosaics, but consists of a boarder design on a tabletop or picture frame. This requires some very small pieces of tiles, which are broken in the same manner as when creating mosaics.
Make Your Own
Making your own tiles can be a very satisfying task and allows you to do whatever you want with them. Getting hold of and mixing the clay is not difficult, but firing them requires access to a kiln. A kiln solidifies the clay into "ceramic" which allows for glazing and painting. If you live in a hot climate, fire them outdoors in the sun, an old- fashioned technique used by ancient civilizations. This will work, just not as well as a kiln firing.
