Smalti, stained glass, vitreous glass, ceramic tile, stone–the mosaic artist has numerous media options from which to choose, fitting materials to message and form. The great variety in texture and color contribute to the uniqueness of an artwork.

Smalti (an Italian word meaning enameled, or glazed, pieces) are a traditional mosaic medium. Small tiles are hand-cut from a high-fired paste consisting of silica melted with sodium or potassium carbonate. Metal oxides add color.
 

Thus far, I have worked almost exclusively with stained glass, along with some vitreous glass. Art glass contains variations in color and texture which give rise to “happy accidents” and enhance the work.
 
 

I limited the two crosses to squares of vitreous glass, in order to make cutting unnecessary for a child’s project.

“Tile Child” is composed of high-fire ceramic tile; all other works to date, are stained and vitreous glass.

Although glass mosaic is generally vibrant color, many artists choose to work in natural materials and neutral tones.

Smalti are typically cut using a hammer and hardie.