Sue's training in archaeology led to a great love of mosaics and she has explored the use of polymer clay to simulate the creation of mosaics in many ways. Her book Polymer Clay Mosaics is filled with designs inspired by the mosaics of antiquity as well as modern versions of the theme.
The following images show some of the versatility of polymer clay mosaics and how the wonderful colour of the clays can be used to the full to create an authentic palette for all kinds of mosaic.
Pietre Dure mosaics are an art form that is found in medieval Florence that Sue has adapted to polymer clay with great success. The mosaics are rather like creating marquetry in clay - different colours of clay are blended and then cut to shape and inserted into the mosaic to create the picture with 3D effects. The technique is challenging and requires a steady hand but the results are glorious and can be used for jewellery and such objet d'art as box lids and plaques.
Traditional mosaics such as the Grapes Tray and Candle Sconce below are ideal subjects for polymer clay mosaics and the little tiles, or tesserae are made first and then assembled into the mosaic on a polymer clay or wooden backing. The piece is then grouted for permanence.
Pietre Dure Pears - the finished piece is 5cms (2 ins) diameter | Grapes Tray in tradtional classical mosaic based on a Roman design. Tray 25cm (10 ins) across | Pietre Dure Seascape panel. 10cms (4 ins) across. |
Candle sconce mosaic - Byzantine Jerusalem design. Approx 15cms (6ins) across. |
