Time We Discuss: Become a Mosaic Artist

Watch/Listen to this Episode Become a Mosaic Artist

Mosaic Artist; Host of Time We Discuss is pointing to a picture of guest Julie Weilbacher.

In this episode of Time We Discuss, the host interviews Julie Weilbacher, a mosaic artist, about her creative journey, daily routine, and insights into the art of mosaics. Julie shares how her days often begin with addressing unexpected tasks before moving on to her planned activities, such as tiling, creating social media content, or filming tutorials for her YouTube channel. Her work is marked by variety, balancing structured routines with the flexibility to adapt when needed.

Julie describes the tessera she works with, emphasizing her preference for a diverse range of options. These include glass tiles, ceramic tiles, porcelain, beads, stone, and even found objects. She avoids paper due to its incompatibility with grout and water, but otherwise embraces an anything goes philosophy. Julie explains that shaping tessera requires specific tools, such as wet saws for hard stone or hand tools for glass and ceramics, which are surprisingly simple yet effective.

When discussing her creative process, Julie notes that her projects often stem from a mix of personal inspiration and client requests. Some pieces are purely driven by her creative impulses, while others, like kitchen backsplashes or family keepsakes crafted from broken plates, cater to specific client needs. She has even created high-profile commissioned works, such as mosaic license plates for Mercedes Benz showrooms, showcasing the range and versatility of her craft.

Julie also offers advice for beginners, urging them to start small and focus on one type of tessera or project to avoid overwhelm. She emphasizes the importance of acquiring only the necessary tools and supplies rather than diving into every possible option. Julie shares that her journey into mosaics began with a pottery studio class where she learned to paint and break tiles. Over time, she expanded her skills through self-teaching, trial and error, and experimenting with new techniques and tessera.

A key turning point in Julie's career was the introduction of wheeled glass nippers, which significantly improved her ability to make precise cuts and elevate her work. Another major milestone was starting her YouTube channel, which allowed her to connect with a global community, share her expertise, and help others shorten their learning curve. Julie values the feedback and interaction she receives from her audience, which keeps her motivated and inspired.

Julie reflects on the non-competitive nature of the mosaic art community, attributing this to the individuality of each artist’s style and preferences. She stresses the importance of nurturing new talent and ensuring that mosaic art continues to thrive by making it accessible and less intimidating to beginners.

As the episode concludes, Julie encourages listeners to explore her YouTube channel and Etsy shop, where they can find instructional videos and printable resources. She invites those interested in mosaics to connect with her on social media and share their questions or ideas, emphasizing her passion for helping others discover and grow in the art form. Through her work and teaching, Julie strives to keep mosaic art alive and vibrant for future generations.

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