6 x 6 Orchid Tile, framed by 1.5 x 6 Tree of Life border

About my tile art

My ceramic tile designs blend different aspects of my life interests and passions. As a violinist for most of my life, music is a significant joy for me. Thus, many of my tile designs incorporate, either subtly or overtly, some of the shapes of my instrument, musical symbols or notation. The lines and forms are graceful and interesting, sometimes abstract, and do not require the "onlooker" to be versed in music to appreciate.

Another angle of inspiration for my tile designs has grown from playing music from a variety of idioms, including celtic. As I grew to know more about the history of ancient celts, I became enamoured with the works of the ancient celtic artists. Some of my tile designs have been influenced by those from the Irish Illuminated Manuscripts from the 6th and 7th centuries (Books of Kells, Lisdivarne, etc.). I have created both renderings of these ancient works in three-dimensional tile as well as my own, unique contemporary interpretations of celtic interlacing and knotwork.

In the last few years, I have also started to create a series that is inspired by the architectural and textile designs of the Arts and Crafts movement from the late 1800's into the early 20th century. The notion of striving to create objects of art that could be both utilitarian and beautiful, intrinsic to the Arts and Crafts movement, very much resonates with me.

I strive to create tile art in a variety of forms, believing that a person living with and appreciating art in their midst may have their life experience enhanced and enriched. I feel strongly that those places where we spend much of our waking time, be that home, work, or wherever we might be moving about, ought to be places we feel comfortable in. Home, in particular, is sanctuary to me, and so it appeals to me to create art objects that will add to the peacefulness, sacredness, or pleasure that might be offered to a person dwelling in their space. Thus, as I create tiles for installation, I take time to imagine that space the tiles will ultimately be in. Knowing something about the intent and interests of the people who will live or work in the space further inspires my design ideas. Similarly, in the vein of "living with art or craft", I also enjoy creating wearable tile art that can be both a pleasure to wear and interesting to touch. Each tile's smooth and rough places, it's three-dimensionality, all contribute to the enjoyment of the final piece. Additionally, when I create commemorative tiles for weddings and births, I am aware that I am making an art object that will likely last many years and evoke joyful memories for the owners. I like to imagine the joy typically surrounding those special events and put good energy into the clay as I sculpt and carve.

I derive satisfaction from knowing that I am making good use of natural resources, creating art objects that are durable and long-lasting. But most importantly, I get pleasure from taking lumps of earth and other natural raw materials, then using my hands and imagination to create art pieces. My greatest hope is to elicit interested and appreciative responses from the people whose hands and eyes fall upon them.