THE PROCESS
INSPIRATION
My core inspiration is literally the medium I use to create the tile. It is a rare and beautiful artform that was wheeled by kings and used to sustain the economies of nations. The Porcelain Arts were introduced to the West from China by Marco Polo in the thirteenth century. It was full of romance, excitement, and even danger. It is intriguing to think that you are connected to its history and continuing the same methods used so long ago. My second inspiration is literally anything that catches my eye. My nature is to collect a myriad of items that say “bring me home!” and some how (miraculously) they all fit together into my mood board. Thirdly, I scour the best shops and magazines and go to the finest design shows and events to stay on trend.
DESIGN
My design process starts with the inspiration board which will include chosen style and then colors, patina, shape of the tile, and so on. It will always be something, however, that I would use in my own home—something that I just love.
If you were to ask me my favorite color, I couldn’t answer you. I love color combinations. Combinations or coordinates are the key to interesting tile lines. I am very thoughtful about the details when I am designing a line to ensure that they combine with trending wood finishes, paint colors, antique furnishings, and the like to facilitate creating “The Perfect Mix.”
PROCESS
My process is quite involved and definitely challenging at times. I grind and create my own paint from minerals and flux (glass) using solvents and oils. The brushes I use are natural hair brushes created by hand. I apply my sketch to the tile, paint it (quite tricky since the paint is oily and the surface of the tile is smooth and glass-like), and fire in a kiln to at least 1325 degrees Fahrenheit. This firing processing makes the painting permanent, since the paint is actually now in the glaze of the tile, making it able to be scrubbed and cleaned with no worries of damaging it. This makes it the perfect aesthetic and functional fit for kitchens, bathrooms, walls, and floors.
