Aiden O.

Glass Tile, beads, rocks

First, I receive “mystery box” glass panels on eBay (random glass pieces) or from out of state (depending on the glass type). With a narrow range of glass colors, the tints inspire what to create. Then, I use a tile nipper and glue the pieces to the board using special glue. The process to cut glass is strenuous. Each piece must be shaped to fit in ocnuction with the other pieces. Once a glass piece is set and tried, they cannot be removed, some pieces can take 20 minutes just to shape to perfection since the glass is so fragile and can snap any second after too much pressure from the hand. After the full glass piece is completed, I wait 24 hours to 48 hours, then I use a glue wash for the translucent pieces and then grout the piece typically with whilegrout (or tinted). Then, I go over the grout with acrylic paint and after a final polish with Windex, my masterpiece is completed. Glass is such a delicate but glossy medium when light hits it that the perspective that you view if from can differentiate how you can interpret the piece. I know in many ways, another medium would be easier to complete but I still continue to push to use a strenuous and fragile art form because it is also such a beautiful medium.
Because so many of my mosaic art pieces have been rejected due to the fact that the pieces do not fit a category/requirement, for me creativity is about embracing new forms expression. Oftentimes this includes forging your own unique path even when unexpected of you.

Beach Scene