Techniques: Relief Tile

The sculpted relief tiles often start as computer manipulated sketches that I transform into a series of clay forms with different attributes. Some are stamped with textures, and others sculpted and carved into shapes. These are assembled to produce a layering of effects in the tile of modeled clay. The original is cast in plaster for a mold of one or more pieces that is pressed with fresh clay to produce a number of similar tiles. When dry, the tiles are glazed and fired to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.

The sculpted relief tiles often start as computer manipulated sketches that I transform into a series of clay forms with different attributes. Some are stamped with textures, and others sculpted and carved into shapes. These are assembled to produce a layering of effects in the tile of modeled clay. The original is cast in plaster for a mold of one or more pieces that is pressed with fresh clay to produce a number of similar tiles. When dry, the tiles are glazed and fired to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit.
	Rockefeller Stoneware Archway, 2000 The burnt almond glaze of the relief tile of this archway complement the companion interior elements of this private home in Forest Hills, East Cleveland. JD Rockefeller built the Rockefeller Homes in the 1920s as homes for his upper level managers of Standard Oil. This archway is 8 feet wide and 9 feet high and is an impressive part of the main living area. The tiles are press-molded from a hand-modeled original cast in plaster. After firing many tiles were mitered to match this particular curve. The tile wrap around both sides of the portal joining the dining area with a quiet sunroom.
	Stoneware Fireplace, 2000 Created with extruded relief tile, this fireplace and mantle is displayed in The Fireplace Store in Macedonia, Ohio. It measures 4' x 3' x 5' and can be recreated with a variety of glazing and firing techniques. The tiles can also be arranged in different compositions, creating a variation of sizes and dimensions for any fireplace and mantel, existing or new.
	Octagon Doily with Diamond, 1997 This is an example of using common objects as the basis of a mold. In this case, doilies were used to create the 25 sq.' of tile. Installed in a century home in Willoughby Hills, Ohio, these tiles create a unique backsplash not soon to be forgotten.
	KSU Tile These are 12" h x 18" w tile that are part of a 120" h x 32 " w column.
	Lillia's Hand-made Tile Bath Hand-made tile counter, wall accents and bench makes this bathroom installation unforgetable.