I've started experimenting with image transfers on Marble tile. So far i'm liking the results, I just have to perfect the process and not be so impatient when it comes to revealing the image. (Thankfully i have a heat gun to help speed things along) The marble is also imperfect in its surface, the nature of the raw tumbled stone. It kinda works though for these images, it enhances the look of degradation to emphasize the fragile, impermanence of life. I'm also not flipping the image before printing and letting the transfer be the mirrored reflection of the photo taken, much like i did with the transfer images in Ireland. Again, the images become the view from the other side. I don't know how obvious i'll make this just yet.
Their are two ideas for the structure that these tiles will form. I'd like to have both completed for the show.... but it's going to be a lot of work.
The first is a monument of four sides approximately 2 feet wide and 7 feet high. Ideally, I'd like it to be bigger but for sake of time and space, the 7 ft version is more feasible while still giving an impact of a large scale object. Still keeping with the symbols I've been working with, each side is an element and representative of those symbols and metaphors.
The base will be about 2 ft wide and 1 ft high. The next section will be a little more than a ft wide and about 3 ft high. the top section will be 1ft by 1ft. And at the very top will be possibly an urn draped in cloth or some other symbolic statue/structure.
I was looking at garden statues to use in place of the angels cause I thought it'd be easier (and take less time) than trying to sculpt my own. However, it has been difficult to find ones that still feel representative of the elements, and at the right scale with the right stone finish to match. So my next thought is to do a mosaic inlay within the 3 ft center section. That will also save some marble tiles. (and $)
The second structure plan is more simple but still huge and a lot of work. Basically, it'd be a wall of tiles. It'd be cool if I could do an 8ft by 8ft wall, a full floor to ceiling gallery wall. Scale will most likely be determined by time and materials. I think I want to put importance on the monument but the wall would be pretty awesome as a compliment and another way to work with the tiles and try some different patterns. It'd be like a giant puzzle on the wall.
So the goal for the moment is to figure out the best transfer method, and then make a bunch of tiles. Whatever won't work on the monument can be saved for the wall.
