Out on a limb here . . . .

16 years ago

. . . at least that's how I feel with my latest window.

Most of you know that my previous GOG work has been very organic and garden themed.

I've been in the deepest mosaic funk and felt as though I needed to step outside my comfort zone and challenge myself with something different.

So here is my current project. The design is drawn on the back of the glass (another thing I don't do often since I tend to ignore the design and go for what feels right). The color scheme will be warm (oranges, yellows, reds and perhaps browns and greens).

I'm using the black opaque glass like lead in traditional stained glass to separate different colors. The tiles on either side are clear and look opaque because of the still-wet weldbond behind them.

I'm going for a mission/art deco feel . . . .

How am I doing so far?

Here is a link that might be useful: Geometric window

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Comments (31)

Calamity_J
16 years ago
WOW! So different, like you say, from all your other work!, just like me and my TP Tower. Warm colors will suit this!
LinLee
16 years ago
I'm thinkin' you're on to something here. Being an overly technical person, I love the lines. But my only advice would be to not let those lines rule you, but guild you.
Somewhere you'll need to put "you" into the frame.
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nicethyme
16 years ago
feels art deco to me Wench... keep posting progress please. I'm intrigued to see where this takes you
curbdiver1954
16 years ago
Wonderfully art deco, wench! Course, I am a little partial since that's my favorite decorating style! Can't wait to see where you go with this one for sure!

Pat
d3bbi
16 years ago
MW, I love what you have so far! I love the clean black lines. Can't wait to see the filler colors added to it.
Shades_of_idaho
16 years ago
OH I love Art Deco and I think your GOG is already wonderful. I would love to try something like this. Also out of my element but something I think I could do. OH Hurry up get to gluing!!

Chris
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
I worked on it for so long yesterday (almost missed a dinner party, too) that my shoulder seized up this morning!

I have enough ibuprofen and ice packs to keep me comfy, but I'll have to visit the chiro tomorrow to put me back together . . .
Yard work today since the sun is shining.

Thanks for the kind words thus far.
siriusmosaics
16 years ago
I know what you mean about comfort level. I think we all have our styles of mosaic. I love what your doing. Until I get a grinder, I am kind of stuck in my style - but I am getting a great forearm in the process! Keep taking photos as you go for us to ooh and ahh over.
shrty411
16 years ago
That's great very Art Deco!! I want to do something with the balck glass as an outline between colors.I haven't come up with anything yet.

Take care of that shoulder!!

Maria
joyy
16 years ago
i love it! i'd like to try something geometric some time but i think weird swirls and curves would just take over part way through.

did you have to do a lot of measuring etc. to come up with that design? i'm looking forward to seeing what it will look like when it's done! :)
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
I've taken up and redone several of the patches because those darn swirls show up in the oddest places when my concentration fades . . .

Chiro fixed me up and I'll post more photos a bit later.
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
Here's the latest.

The orange gave me fits. I originally wanted to use opus circumactum in that space but the planning of it almost killed me. So I laid them out a little differently than I intended.

And as usual, the Weldbond is drying very slowly (around the edges) and also making me crazy . . . .

Here is a link that might be useful: geowindow2
Calamity_J
16 years ago
Lookin' good Wench!!
Shades_of_idaho
16 years ago
OH Loving it even more.

Wench I just got some stuff called Bio Freeze for my back from the chiropractor yesterday. I am in heaven when I use it. Does not smell too bad either. Just for a few minutes.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

Chris
shrty411
16 years ago
Love that orange in there.

Maria
bamasusanna
16 years ago
Cool! I know it's an abstract, but it looks like a city scape with search lights to me! I LOVE your design!
susiesunshine
16 years ago
I have a question for you Mosaicwench1:
if you wouldn't mind to answer.... are you doing this on an old window? Is the old glass still in tack....? or do you replace it with plexiglass.???
I'm new to this...
I have painted on windows with stain glass paints etc...
Your WORK... YOUR ART... YOUR CREATIONS ARE OUT OF THIS WWORRRRLLLD!!!! but I was wondering since you are putting so much time into this how safe it is... will the glass LAST ??
I hope it is ok that I ask you.... I am trying to learn from you all that are professionals !!!
Thank you for your time...
You know is is such a wonderful piece !!!!
God Bless!
susiesunshine
siriusmosaics
16 years ago
Looks like it's going to be another beauty. I would love to try this with an old window, but have no place to put it when it's done. Has anyone made a GOG that you have left outside in the weather?
barbfrizzell1955
16 years ago
Wench...I have no idea what opus circumactum is but I do know that I love the orange.

Barb
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
Susiesunshine wrote:
if you wouldn't mind to answer.... are you doing this on an old window? Is the old glass still in tack....? or do you replace it with plexiglass.??? . . . . but I was wondering since you are putting so much time into this how safe it is... will the glass LAST ??

Yes, I do all my glass on glass on old windows. In fact, mostly old windows from my own house. I had all the windows replaced 2 years ago and kept all the old windows just for this reason. Yes, the glass is intact.

I have seen no evidence that the glass won't last. It's already over 50 years old and going strong. The sashes sometimes need work or reinforcing but I'm an old hand at home repair so it's not a problem. Plexiglass flexes easily (even in the wind) and I won't use it as a substrate for glass on glass work.

Crafty lady wrote: I have no idea what opus circumactum is but I do know that I love the orange.

Opus circumactum is a way to "fill" shapes done by mosaicists. It's laying out the tiles in a fan shape that runs into the next fan shape, etc. Very ancient style and indicates movement.

All the things mosaic arists do have a name - like crazy paving is officially called opus palladanium. I've included a glossary below for further information.

Here is a link that might be useful: mosaic glossary
hrsg
16 years ago
How did I miss this before?

This is fantastic! Just love symmetry, geometry and simple clean lines. Nice size project that requires you to stretch out, and move around.

Looking forward to more images on this progress.
barbfrizzell1955
16 years ago
Thanks Wench, I've bookmarked the site. I like the example of the opus circumactum and to me it seems like it would be very hard to do within the straight lines of your design unless you want a lot of little pieces along your edges.

Hmm...now how can I work that phrase into our discussion at the dinner table tonight...LOL I could probably stop all conversation while they look blankly at me...

Barb
d3bbi
16 years ago
MW, I am just loving this window. Enjoying watching your progress.
yellow-rose
16 years ago
Your window is amazing!! I love the design. But, I have a question for you. I've done several GOG and I'm never real happy with either the adhesive showing through the clear glass or the grout getting under the clear glass. So I wonder if you put the glue on the edges of your clear glass to keep the grout from bleeding? And do you have a reason for using weldbond instead of GEII? Or is it just personal preference? I'm working on a piece where I pre-sprayed the base glass with spray-glue then use GEII. So far, I like it. I find it to be a pain working with all those tiny pieces of glass & GE!
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
Yellow rose wrote:
I've done several GOG and I'm never real happy with either the adhesive showing through the clear glass or the grout getting under the clear glass. So I wonder if you put the glue on the edges of your clear glass to keep the grout from bleeding? And do you have a reason for using weldbond instead of GEII?

I'm using both Weldbond and Mac glue this time. I don't like GEII on glass on glass because I've found it yellows over time in sunlight.

On large pieces (like the edge squares) I put on a border of glue around the edges of each piece and then really smooooosh it down. I'm hoping that stops grout bleed.

I've had grout bleed before on my garden themed windows and it's not too noticable in the jumble of the plants. I'm hoping against hope that I have no grout bleed on this one because it will be patently obvious in the geometric scheme.

I'm also planning to mix my grout very dry when the time comes . . . . only time will tell I guess.
susiesunshine
16 years ago
Howdy Ms Mosaicwench1:
Thanks for the answers!!! I'm so excited about your answer
because I moved here to the very old town of Rockford, Il and they have a ton of old windows..... they have had 2 floods in the last 11 months due to the ROCK RIVER and Keith Creek and quite a few houses have been condemned and many more having to be remodeled... not to mention the regular updating and remodeling of the older home.. well what I am saying I picked up a bout 3 of dozen various size old windows (some with 4 panes and some with 6 and some with 8 and a few with 2 and 1 ) That's why I ask you can you paint and or mosaic/ or GOG as you say... cause I want to do what you are doing..
I have to start somewhere....
So I know I will not be on the same grade as you .... but I am going to set my standards high!!! when I grow Up I want to be like YOU !!!
PS should I sand and paint the frames 1st? and Some probably need to be recaulked ?

I'll try to take some pictures / if you are willing to give me more pointers from time to time....
I guess you could be my mentor!!!
Thanks so very very much I really appreciate it!!
It means the world to me!!!
I'm so excited!
God Bless!
susiesunshine
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
Anyone can email me at mosaic(at)wi.rr.com (needless to say, type the @ sign) and I'm always happy to help where I can.
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
Latest update here

I added the red around the steps and am finishing up the yellow
in the other "rays."
susiesunshine
16 years ago
Wow!!! it's looking soooooo wonderful!!!
it's so different each section added... did you just come up with the pattern or is it a picture you saw... it kina reminds me of DOWNTOWN!!!
Thanks for sharing!
God Bless
susiesunshine
mosaicwench1
Original Author
16 years ago
Latest updates. Now that it's closer to being done I'm actually liking it!

I used crash glass in the lower portions next to the "steps."

Here is a link that might be useful: geometric window
Calamity_J
16 years ago
OH WOW!!! So wonderful! Precision! Your color choices are awesome! Another reason why I wanna be you when I grow up!!! Jane

Out on a limb here . . . .

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