Vili from vilka.co.uk creates these small relief tiles by combining clay and linocut chisels.
The process requires white self-hardening clay, gray muck for the base, acrylic paints and cutters with different profiles.
Shaping on a Base
The clay is kneaded and pressed onto the cut squares of gray cardboard. The cardboard serves as a base and prevents the tile from warping. The edges are smoothed out to create a clean shape.
Coloring
A layer of acrylic paint is applied to the surface. This color serves as the tile’s background. During the subsequent engraving process, the paint remains only on the raised areas, while the carved-out areas reveal the white color of the clay underneath.
Drying
Vili waits for the clay to dry completely before he begins working with his tools. If the material is even slightly damp, the cutter will smudge the lines. It must be completely dry so that the chisel can cut precisely and cleanly.
Engraving the Relief
Once the tiles are completely hard and dry, linocut engraving tools. These are used to remove the top layer of paint and create the patterns—ranging from geometric shapes and spirals to floral elements. The different tips on the engraving tools allow for lines of varying widths and depths.
