Cattail Tile's Story and Process
THE STORY: It all started with the purchase of a slab roller from craigslist. I quickly realized that I needed a kiln, larger studio, etc (rather than loading everything up and firing elsewhere). I've been blessed by this space to do my work, and opportunity to explore the possibilities. There is just something about art that you can install in your home, is practical, and beautiful at the same time, that draws me in. The possibilities are endless with this medium. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it!
HOW TILES AND PLAQUES ARE MADE:
MATERIALS and CARE: A stoneware, high-fire clay is used. This clay vitrifies to the highest levels, so it will not absorb moisture or crack due to freeze-thaw cycles. Pieces can be used any where from inside bathrooms to outside in extreme temperatures. They are perfect for outdoor use in salt air conditions where metal signs rust quickly. Glaze and finish will not fade in sunlight or outdoor exposure. They are carefree.
PLAQUES: They are hand sculpted. No molds are used. Numbers are sculpted then attached to the handmade background with frame. It is fired and glazed as one piece.
RELIEF TILES: For Relief (sculpted/raised) tiles, I hand sculpt the original, then make a plaster mold. To make copies, I hand press clay into the mold, prepare the back for hanging, then let gravity release the tile as it shrinks and dries (this can take several hours).
STAMPED TILES: I custom mold my own stamps out of clay, bisque fire it, then use it as a stamp to push in to clay to make multiples or designs.
ALL WORK: I make the piece, allow it to dry slowly for a week to avoid warping, fire it in my kiln, apply glaze and re-fire it to about 2400 degrees.The process takes at least 2-3 weeks.
