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It seems that over time, we've all either come across
questions about mosaic software or have been curious
about it.
Understandably, some frown on software considering
the creativity aspect is lost. Not one to claim the work as
my own, I would like to check out a few computer programs
and am curious as to whether other mosaic fans have an
opinion based on experienced use with such.
At present, Tile Creator Pro seems to have caught my
attention, giving one the ability to scan a photo, print a shopping
list of colors, etc.
I've also seen Mosaic Creator, but it does not seem to be as
detailed as Tile Creator, but it is definitely cheaper.
I can't help but think that anything and everything is fair in the world of creativity. What's the difference if something is from a machine, a book or a thought ? Everything is from something else.
Indeed it is, Balv. I remember a similar discussion taking
place on an online chat site where the conversation quickly
went from a curious question to criticism of the poster.
My experience with software for my iMac is confined to four different photo programs, one business card program, one Journaling, one Genealogy, none of which do I understand well enough to use, and Mariner Write, a word processing program I am almost, well nearly almost conversant with. If I could figure out how to use them, and knew what they were, I'd jump at the chance to use software to enhance my limited artistic endeavors. If you can use it, if it gives you the least bit of insight or encouragement, or if it opens even one small door to something you hadn't thought about before then it is worth it.
I could use a program that would help me *think* in the abstract. I get ideas, but I have trouble visualizing them w/o being able to touch them. Make sense? I know about the grout color site, it was cool but not extensive enough. I have a gecko tile posted elsewhere, and several ?'s about using it. But no replies. I guess I'll have to practice and see what happens. I could really get into mosaics, tile and glass. But learning the process and tech. stuff gets in the way. Especially when I live 25mi. from the 1 store in the area. A really good program would be my best friend. I'm learning a lot on DG, and 1 DG'er in-particular has been a big help. ☺She knows who she is☺
BTW WUVIE, you and balvenie do some really cool projects. WUVIE, are the software you mentioned available as downloads?
Lora☺
You're too sweet! Balvenie is way ahead of me, I'm just a part timer
on occasion. :-)
The following link is not intended as an advertisement, but rather
to give you more information:
http://www.tilecreator.com/
The basic software runs about 69.95, while the Tile Creator Pro runs
up to 249.95.
I'm definitely going to do some more research on this program. I swear
my old computer has such a program, but I can't get the silly thing to
boot up. Ugh!
Wuvie, I just googled those places and reviewed them as best I could, which ain't all that complete. The tile one didn't appeal at all and the photo mosaic was too confusing, actually they all were. I know that people with some computer experience could do some really good art with them, but most anything other than the most basic abc's is out of my league. If there was something simple that would enlarge a small drawing and make a full sized working plan I'd be interested. Much of my stuff is from a small tracing, enlarged a bit, re-drawn and modified to suit, and enlarged to working size. Easy to do with the proliferation of large format copiers at Staples, UPS and so many other places. I'm still itching to do my first mosaic. Then if I can figure it out, start mosaicking everything that doesn't move. Two of my many shortcomings are lack of common sense and restraint. (We won't go into the others.) I'm wondering if the software is really all that much of a benefit, maybe for a commercial artist to have multiple plans on hand, but perhaps not so much for the 'fine arts' artist . Anyway, grab a pair of nippers , some tile and have at it.
Lora, I can't speak from actual hands-on experience but it would seem that based upon my 'research' if a person has a bunch of glass, old dishes, tiles or virtually anything at all they can break them up and glue them onto something solid and with some grout have a nice mosaic. To think in the abstract really isn't difficult. With a thought or an image in mind all it takes is a pencil and a lot of paper. Make lines and figures till something feels right, then glue tiny pieces of 'whatever' on it, grout it and see if it looks like what you had in mind. If not ,keep trying, because before long what you feel inside will manifest itself in that piece of art that you created effortlessly. Dare I say it ? don't take creativity too seriously. Sometimes it is a "Eureka Moment".
Hi W. & B.☺ I guess some of my problem is from my Mom telling me *don't break that*!
And the art teacher in junior high who didn't like any of my ideas. I always thought art is what you want it to be, but I couldn't get a decent grade in his class for anything. So discouragement reigned instead of inspiration. But I did figure out what I really like and enjoy. Mosaic and stained glass being 2 of them. I'm getting too analytical, sorry.
I need a workshop too, haha.
I did talk my hubB into taking a 5 week stained glass class in the evenings☺☺☺hoooraaaay! It's 85 bucks. I asked the guy if they had couples classes, he said *No, but I'll give you 2 for 1*!!! WOW, how can I pass that up? Would you guys say NO?
We haven't had classes for,,,well a long time. And I've never had a 3hr. class either.
I have bought a couple of tools. I want to learn foiling and flux etc. I guess a class is the shortest trail I could take.
I don't think I'll be buying the software, but I'll check out the link. Thanks WUVIE☺
I cant wait till I have a project to show you☺
Lora:))
That Tile Creator Pro is great. It would be perfect if you're in the business making mosaic tables, room dividers etc. Doing original art work is where I would trip. I could probably design celtic knots, but that's it. But the cost is too high unless you NEED it everyday.
I have to admit, DG has done more for my inspiration and *art muse* than anything I can think of. And you two, WUVIE and balvenie have done a lot of the cultivating.
☺Lora☺
I'm late to this thread but will jump in briefly. I feel strongly that we all have creative abilities inside of us, and it's too bad some people end up being discouraged. Frankly some of the most wonderful, fresh, joyous art work in the world has been created by people who have no formal art training at all (this is why I love folk art!)
I had a good art professor in college who said he had to spend the first half of the year "unteaching" his freshmen students what they "thought" they knew making art, before he could get them to just relax and be truly creative, and learn to see with fresh eyes. Little kids are often terrific artists because nobody has told them yet they're doing it the wrong way!
Lora, I hope you'll go buy some 50 cent plates at a thrift store and smash em up! I'm with Balvenie. Remember your design can just be a lovely abstract too...glue a curvy line of one color down, then pick another color and do a row next to it...start a blob of another color in a corner...pick another one to surround it...and so on! I have not done stained glass (yet) but I've really enjoyed my first attempts at mosaic work. It's very relaxing...and...the most important thing of all...it's just plain fun. Which is what creativity should be about anyway! Go get 'em Lora, good luck on your stained glass class. :-)
Sorry Wuvie, no experience here either with the mosaic software (yet.) But, I personally never hesitate to grab any tool that helps me enjoy what I'm doing!
Sheri
Sheri's statement "glue a curvy line of one color down" and so on is right on target. I start my chip carvings like that. Draw a long line, then another, then fill in with whatever fits. No pattern or design in mind, just "fill in the empty spots". Carving, mosaic, glass or paint, it doesn't matter. The piece will evolve on its own. The good thing about carving is that you can burn your mistakes. lol
Perhaps a better example is this one. You can see some straight lines and curves. they go on first then just fill in the emptiness.
The process can be adapted to many mediums and be as organized or abstract as you want. The glass classes sound great. Enjoy them.
edited to say I think my "style" is best called 'incoherent'. lol
Balv, that is the neatest! I love viewing the pictures you share, thank you!
Frankly some of the most wonderful, fresh, joyous art work in the world has been created by people who have no formal art training at all (this is why I love folk art!)
Pardon me for standing on the table while I applaud your statement. :-)
I'm a big fan of folk and outside art, provided it is brought to life through
true creativity and not a mockery of such for money's sake.
A quick flip through Raw Vision and I'm in awe.
Lora, do you happen to live near a Golden Rule, Goodwill or other such place?
Many of them don't mind saving broken glass for free or a donation. There are
two locations saving anything broken for me. One is free and the other is a buck
or two, depending on her mood and the size of the box.
My last pickup was a gigantic box full of plates, saucers and such with chips
which made them not good items to sell, but FABulous for mosaics. Just ask
them to save anything broken for you, dishes, pottery, crocks, bowls, plates, anything.
Be sure that you emphasize you are only using it for crafts and that you are just
going to break it up further. This way, they don't think you are trying to obtain
fine items for a song. I'll pay a buck for a box of broken dishes any day.
As for the software, I've been thinking of turning some of my photographs
into mosaics, and while I could replicate the image, the colors are my problem.
The software will provide the colors to match the original items, too.
:-) KM...
Who is taking a break from wallpapering. Fingernails are full of paste, ugh!
My gosh balvenie, if that's your incoherent work, what can you do when you *wake up*?
Both of those are gorgeous. The second is very intricate, says me! I can barely imagine the time it took to carve that.
OK time for a question---what kind of glue for indoor/outdoor? Then glass, tile, ceramic etc. I'm truly a novice
I tried doing a bowling ball mosaic, I wont tell you what a fiasco that was (now abandoned)ha:(
Please take a look at my post with the gecko tile. Tell me if I'm nuts or not. I'll even take incoherent. ha
The table is 29in. dia. I have 2 sheets of webbed tile plus a bunch of odds n ends.
The more I think about this idea the more I like it. I also found out to completely cover a piece of 3/8in. ply with backerboard to make it weather proof. And seal very well.
BTW, is it possible to slump glass in a kitchen oven? I have another idea!
Thanks for helping the newbie!
WUVIE, I never thought about asking Goodwill etc. for their *trash*. Thanks a *load of glass* ha. I drive by one everyday, both ways!!! I go in there mostly to get good stuff to recycle. I think I might go in tomorrow. And a couple times next week, to see every mgr. I can:))
Whew, I have to get a drink. This inspiration stuff makes me thirsty☺
Lora☺☺☺
If this is the post you are referring to, I'm not quite certain
what you are trying to do. I'll sure try to help if you can clarify
what your intentions are for this project. :-)
Most everything is made in China nowadays, why not mosaic tiles. The Chinese have a centuries old tradition in pottery that was wonderful when the rest of the world was still in the dark ages, of course the Italians are pretty good at it too.
