Right at this moment, nearly everyone in the U.S. tile world is in Florida attending Coverings, except apparently you and I.
However, Tile Envy did send a special correspondent to bring back the "news" from the field and we hope to share any notable discoveries in May 2010's Tile Salon. Also, this month was Chicago's turn to host this year's Kitchen and Bath show. Not much tile news to report there except for a couple of new introductions from Ann Sacks. I'm working on a full review so look for our May 2010 Tile Salon which will be our trade show round-up. If you attended either show and would like to share your own stand-outs, please do.
For April 2010 I thought it would be fun to share news from people who, like me, would probably not be at the show. But also who, like me, have their hearts and souls working on their own tile dreams in their own unique ways.
So this month while the giants of our industry enjoy the warm weather and golf courses of Orlando, Tile Envy will be bringing you up-to-date with some of the globe's more unique tile makers and their wares.
******
HEATH CERAMICS
Eames + Heath = font funBe sure to click on the photo to read the actual Heath blog story. But for a teaser- let me say that Heath Ceramics and the folks at House Industries are creating these fun house numbers that integrate perfectly with Heath's field tiles. I say- skip the house number idea- and use them instead to make a cool collage in your backsplash or shower. The newest font available is an Eames design. Talk about groovy- I'm picturing an all white wall with numbers here and there. I'm particularly fond of the number 9, myself.
******
Rob Ryan tileA favorite design blog of mine is WeeBirdy.com, featuring - birds! Or to be more exact - wonderful objects that are inspired by birds. Most of weebirdy's musings are about favorite spots and design wonders of London. And one is a favorite designer/illustrator Rob Ryan who, amongst a whole host of collectible goods, also creates the most sweetly decorated tiles. "Rob and his paper-cut designs (and heart-felt prose) have appeared on collaborations with British Vogue, Liberty, Fortnum and Mason, Paul Smith and Earnest Sewn.
******
keep calm and carry onI was introduced to this bit of WWII British propoganda by sfgirlbybay.com and then to Raquel Masri's porcelain tile version by the designismine blog. Boy, you've got to love our design blogs filling the airwaves with fun design we would never have encountered, otherwise. And we certainly must pay a big debt of gratitude to Etsy for making it happen for so many artists who wouldn't have the ability to reach out to the world. It will be fun to watch Raquel's evolution with her hand built porcelain wares.
******
STUDIO H
ICONS - "shakespeare"
"shakespeare" in all 4 colorsLiving in Sausalito, we share this fabulous community with many wonderful artists and design studios, including Heath Ceramics. Another Sausalito neighbor of ours, Hanneke, has been collaborating with us at Tilevera for years. Besides being a stellar-good pal- she's also a stellar-good artist. We've always loved the artistic evolutions of her home and the cool things she makes for her children. She's recently launched her new production studio and is collaborating with us again using Tilevera's Canvas limestone to create a series called Manuscript. This particular Manuscript series- ICON - is one of my personal favorites featuring hand-screened icons available in 4 colors, platinum, black, gold and white. Anyone recognize that stately crow?
******
Porcelain tiles from Heather KnightIntroduced to Tile Envy by newest favorite shelter mag - LoftLife - Heather Knight is a ceramic wizard creating porcelain objet d'art that capture a balance between natural and super-natural. Her porcelain "tiles" look like perfect white pillows of the Great Barrier reef, only these are legal and probably not as deadly.
******
Xenia Taler designsThe Print & Pattern blog was named one of the top 50 best design blogs by Times magazine. A blog that celebrates surface design would certainly have a few wonderful tile maker's works. I discovered several really yummy tile studios here including Xenia Taler from Canada. This studio boasts two experts, the design expert- Xenia Taler, and the tile making expert- Steven Koblinski. I'm glad they met- because their tiles are lovely, precious and extremely well-made little treasures.
******
RAFFLE FOR LIAM
And here is the most important, save the best for last, news. I heard about this from the lovely Mrs. French of Bliss and immediately signed up for several raffle tickets. Aside from the generous giveaway from amazing art studios, there is the excitement that this wonderful mum and her much loved son will realize their dream of the perfect acessible bathroom I can't wait to see the pic's of Liam's new bathroom, and I'm hoping that all of you have a chance to participate as well!
(thanks to Tara Bradford for the wonderful photo of the tile studio of Spanish artist Antonio Campos in our header. read the great story here)