I always loved messing around with clay, but when I graduated from Art College in London it was with a degree in Textile design. Years later, after many adventures in worldwide travel, I came to Catalina Island and saw tiles made there during the 1920's - this was what I had been unconsciously looking for. I went home to Oregon and started trying to figure out how those tiles were made. It took a lot of persistence but I sold my first tile in 1995 at Saturday Market in Eugene, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tile making is an ancient craft, dating back at least 4000 years. Tiled surfaces have been found in the pyramids and the ruins of both Babylon and ancient Greek cities. Our tiles are handmade and dried carefully before the first firing which turns them into 'bisque'. The design is then outlined with a very thin, black wax line. The wax line 'resists' the water based glazes, so colors remain separate from each other, allowing for very precise imagery. After the glazes have dried, I apply accents using a small brush. Firing melts the glazes, the wax outline vaporizes but leaves an indentation which creates an embossed, jeweled effect. This method of decoration is called Cuerda Seca which means 'dry cord', and was brought to Spain from the Middle East during the 14th century. The 'dry cord' in this case was oil soaked cord laid across the tile surface to create geometric designs.
I feel fortunate to have found a home here in rural Oregon, doing something I love, the natural world provides an endless source of inspiration for new designs that represent the Pacific Northwest.
A tile makes a great gift for any occasion, the backing with hanger and feet allow each tile to be hung, and they are also often used as a table centerpiece or to protect polished surfaces from heat and condensation. We can also do any design on the website on a standard size 6" installation tile for backsplash and shower accents.
Please call or email if you wish to place an order, or have any questions.
PRICES - Single tiles are $28 each, please call or email for panel and installation tile prices.
