Linoleum Asphalt Mosaics - CRAFT Video Podcast

For more info visit: blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/01/linoleum_asphalt_mosaics_video.html

Linoleum asphalt mosaics, also called Toynbee Tiles, are artworks permanently embedded in pavement. In this video I'll show you how to construct your own from inexpensive materials. You can get real linoleum (don't use vinyl flooring) for this project by ordering free samples online. By cutting out a mosaic design in the linoleum and sandwiching it between layers of paper, wood glue, and asphalt crack filler, you can affix the mosaic very permanently to an asphalt surface, such as your driveway. You may choose to use a heat gun to make the linoleum easier to cut, or even a laser cutter. The earliest examples of these tiles were found in the 70s and 80s on streets in Philadelphia, all bearing the same (or very similar) message: "Toynbee idea / in Kubrick's 2001 / resurrect dead / on planet Jupiter." They are speculated to have been created by the same person until they began to gain a following. There's an active message board on the topic which shares sightings and other information. If you make one, please share your pictures in the CRAFT Flickr pool!

In this video I used this cc-licensed photo by Flickr user mojunk. The music is "Regurgitation Pumping Station" from the World of Goo soundtrack by Kyle Gabler; used with permission.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• linoleum
• asphalt
• mosaic
• craftzine
• craft
• magazine
• street
• art

[skeilak]

@makemagazine

Thanks! I always wanted to know how to make a Toynbee Tile.

I think it should be noted that the least number of pieces is best, and that the tiles are best placed with lots of asphalt filler on the back, on busy streets, in the summer, so cars will squish them flat into the softened road surface. Crosswalks make good locations.

Some of the original Toynbee Tiles, placed in 1983-84, are still readable today.

[mterrz]

i was hoping a amazing chemical reaction to "tattoo" the asphalt or something like that, but all they did was a stupid collage in the ground, just using more resistant materials... no big deal. bad design too.

[konflikted13]

There is no actual against this. You probably would get in trouble though. A more detailed version of this is a book called "Recipes For Disaster" by Crimethinc

[Muthachilla]

no shit. It's just like graffiti beeeeech

[lilbabyblu]

i wouldve thought sticking somehitng permanantly on the groudn like that was illegal

[drag0nslayers]

the guy looks pissed in the beginning

[jetsmiley123]

that's really cool! i think im going to do that (but my dad will have a cow!) lol