Starry, starry night on black

Starry, starry night on black
6" hand-painted ceramic tile, in 8" black wood frame

Click on image for larger view
(Photo and design copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Many Moons Ago - spacey ceramic tiles

Been feeling kinda spacey lately so planets, galaxies, moons and stars keep cropping up in my artwork. More to come, I hope.

Many Moons Ago tryptich
 Three 6-inch tiles - 20"x8" in alderwood frame

Click on image for larger view

(design and photo copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Hearts of Stone

Heart of Stone One
4.25" ceramic tile, 6.25" rosewood frame

I was painting these tiles while watching Dickens of London, a 13-part 1976 Masterpiece Theatre mini-series about the life of the author (played by Gene Foad as a young man, morphing into Roy Dotrice as he aged). Not only does it provide details about Charles Dickens that I didn't know before, but it is also an interesting reflection of life in the Victorian age. (Dickens was apparently obsessed with the young queen.)  

I was so absorbed in the drama that I did not pay enough attention to my painting. Halfway through the tiles I realized I had painted each one with the same colors in the same order, so after firing they would all look alike.

Heart of Stone Two
4.25" ceramic tile, 6".25 rosewood frame

Usually, before I start painting, I label each color on the tile like a paint-by-numbers canvas so I don't get confused. Many of the glazes look alike before they are fired, and of course, none of them look the same pre-firing.

Especially as some of the glazes move around in the kiln and some are stable, I need to be careful which glazes I put next to each other to get the effect I want.

Heart of Stone Three
4.25" ceramic tile, 6".25 rosewood frame

When I realized what I had done (oh horror!) I had to figure out a way to give each one a different look. Even though I had spent a considerable amount of time up to this point, I decided, what the heck, I will experiment by painting a layer of different colored glaze over the glazes already painted on each tile. They will either turn into a muddy mess or something interesting will happen.

Heart of Stone Four
4.25" ceramic tile, 6.25" rosewood frame

I finished laying down the first two coats of glaze, waited until they were somewhat dry and then covered the tiles with the extra layer of glaze.

So although each tile started out looking pretty much the same as the next one, they each took on a different personality after firing.

(Photos and designs copyright roslyn m wilkins)  

Channeling Kandinsky

I think it was my friend and fellow artist Susanne Heimbuch who commented on one of my previous pieces of ceramic artwork that I was under the influence of Wassily Kandinsky.

I happened to come across the above image of one of Kandinsky's paintings. WOW!

A circle within a square isn't exactly a new concept and I am sure other artists have and will continue to develop that theme.

Nevertheless, I like to think Kandinsky was looking down (or sidewise, as the case may be) and nodding in approval as I was painting my ceramic tiles entitled Eclipses of the Moons.

Maybe he actually likes the direction I am taking and is giving me a nudge!

Okay, I am getting a little carried away with myself. But on the other hand, I can't think of another artist I would rather be channeling!

I'll take inspiration wherever I can find it

Eclipses of the Moons, 2012

Four 4-1/4" ceramic tiles. 10-1/2" framed.

For the past ten years I have woken up with these little jewelry chests staring back at me from the dresser across the room.

Do you think they might have been my inspiration for these tiles I took out of the kiln this morning?

(Photos and designs copyright roslyn m wilkins)

The Sun King Tile, Maybe...

The 11th Annual Los Angeles Pottery Show has now been and gone at the Convention Center in Pasadena, California. Two friends and I drove out from our respective parts of town on Saturday, January 23 and met up at the show. As it had been raining all week the views of the snow on the mountains on the drive out to Pasadena were breathtaking. I don’t recall seeing so much snow on such an extended area in all the time I have been living here. But then my memory for that kind of thing is admittedly short. Nevertheless, it was a sight to behold.

And the Pottery Show was a sight to behold too, in its own unique way. Over one hundred dealers were represented selling diverse items such as sixties dinnerware to figurines made in occupied Japan to vintage Batchelder tiles to contemporary ceramic art. It was an interesting mix. Porcelain poodles and ash trays in the shape of eye glasses that I normally would not give a second glance seemed fascinating in that venue.

Most of the pieces were California-made, or at least of US origin. Of course, I was hoping for a collection of Minton tiles to jump out at me, but that didn’t happen. I believe there was one Minton tile although the name “Stoke” stamped on the reverse was barely visible. However, not a tile I would have purchased anyway.

One tile did attract my attention. (Image above.) I walked away and came back to it several times. I was fascinated by the design. When I saw it at the show I thought it was a Neptune motif surrounded by stylized dolphins. The vendor told me it was probably from the early 1800s but I doubt that. I would attribute it to the Victorian period. But I have no idea who the maker is. Nevertheless while we were eating lunch I decided if I didn’t purchase the tile I would regret that decision more than the decision to buy it.

So now it is in my possession. After studying it a little more closely I realize the design has nothing to do with Neptune. I believe (but am not positive) it is symbolic of one of the Dauphins of France (mostly from the 1400s to the 1700s). Kings Louis XI through Louis XVI were given the title of Dauphin while they were in line to receive the crown. The disembodied head in the center of the tile may represent Louis XIV, as he was known as the Sun King, and that title would explain the rays emanating from his head. I am not sure of the significance of the wings, the basket of fruit, or the dragons. I’ll have to do some more research on those symbols. The dolphins, fleur-de-lis, and stylized shells are fairly obvious.

The more I study the tile the more confident I feel that it does indeed depict King Louis XIV. I wish I knew who made the tile and why it was made. There are no maker symbols on the reverse, just the grid pattern, presumably to hold the tile in place on a wall. Yet there are holes drilled into the back as if the tile was used as a trivet (although they would surely be more evenly distributed if that was the case), or perhaps to hold the tile on a wall where it could not be glued properly—ah, who knows?

As you can imagine, I am intrigued by this tile and cannot just walk away from its mystery. I will be keeping an eye open for more information as time goes by, but for now I must move on to other things. If anybody out there can help me read the symbols I would be grateful.

(Photos copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Tile Trek

This weekend is the annual warehouse sale at Classic Tile & Mosaic. You don't have to be in the market for a new bathroom in order to enjoy a visit. On Saturday my friend KL brought with her two decorative tiles she had bought previously and was looking for ideas to incorporate them into her back step risers. I was just looking.

As CTM is not normally open to the public this is always an opportunity to see what's happenin' in the world of tile.

I salivated over the many types, materials, designs, and colors of tile. I was imagining various scenarios in which I could use the different kinds of tile on display. I particularly liked this square foot of marbley-travertiney-looking tiles above. They would look great on a wall, maybe in my dining area. They would go well with all the wood in my place.

In the showroom the Malibu Tile collection was showcased. If I had a couple thousand bucks to spare I would have loaded up my car as I thought the sale prices were pretty good. I fell in love with one tile approximately 12" x 8", a scene of Catalina, but then I remembered I had a piece of bisque about that size and maybe I should save my money and paint it myself in my own style.

I ended up buying a 6" x 6" Malibu-style tile of a flying fish. The designer was in the store, Juan Aguirre (hope I spelled his name correctly). He works out the design on the computer, then the design is silk-screened on to the bisque tile, then the tile is hand-painted in the "corda seca" style with the colors separated by raised black lines (I believe a mixture of manganese and linseed). When I visited Sevilla, Spain, some years ago I remember watching an artist painting in this style with some kind of syringe like decorating a birthday cake.
Many things in life I can pass up. But a beautiful tile I cannot resist!
(photos copyright roslyn m wilkins and tile designs copyright respective artists)

Gauguin and the Tuxedo CatI was looking through some old photos on disc and found my cat Friday staring back at me from the screen. The image was screaming "TILE!" For the background I immediately thought of the rug in Guaguin's "Arii Matamoe (The Royal End)" which I wrote about recently.
He is a handsome guy, isn't he?
Ceramic tile, 6"x6"
(Photo and design copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Benaki Museum of Islamic Art

The Benaki Museum's collection of Islamic art, which includes examples of all its local variations from as far afield as India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, the Middle East, Arabia, Egypt, North Africa, Sicily and Spain, ranks among the most important in the world. Walking through the Kerameikos area of Athens along Asomaton Street, we almost missed the Islamic Museum as it is housed in a townhouse looking like any other on the street. Fortunately, this did not happen as the collection was well worth the long walk from our hotel just south of the Acropolis.

However, like the main Benaki Museum across town, photography was not allowed. I will never understand why some museums (for instance, the National Archaeological Museum in Athens) almost beg you to take photos of their collection while museums like the Benaki look at you like dirt if you dare ask if photography is allowed! Explain it to me, someone!! So, above is the ruler I bought at the museum shop showing some of the Iznik patterns on display in the museum. This is one of the best souvenirs I ever bought as it sits on my desk inspiring me with tile designs and will be used on a regular basis.

Grand Bazaar Istanbul

Obviously it's been a while since I posted to my blog. Mostly that's because I was out of the country visiting London, Greece and Turkey. And as soon as I returned home I came down with this fuzzy-brained virus and cough that will not let go of me. However, after nearly two weeks of unmentionable stuff oozing from my body, I am now feeling halfway human and able to resume some of my normal functions. But it's going to take me months to catch up with all the art and archaeology-related stuff that has taken place in my life in the past few weeks. So bear with me!

Just as an appetizer, here are the two hand-painted tiles I bought at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. There were lots of tiles on my trip, but mostly touristy stuff that did not appeal to me. But these caught my eye, and other than the Grand Bazaar I did not see anything that I liked as much as these, so I was glad I bought them when I had the opportunity.
So, among other things that I learned and experienced on this trip, I fell in love with the Iznik style of tiles and pottery. Just what I needed, one more thing to be passionate about! Of course, I have seen this style of ceramic painting many times before but for some reason I was not ready for it. However, starting with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London which has a brilliant collection, I couldn't help myself from falling head over heels.

(Photos copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Boxes and Boxes and Boxes of Tiles

Sunday, July 22, KL, KJ and I visited Classic Tile and Mosaic, 3221 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (between Jefferson and Washington) for the annual sale, open to the public. This is usually a to-the-trade-only showroom and I have been attempting to go to the sale for the past couple of years, but always seemed to be busy on that weekend. It was worth the wait. Hundreds of boxes of tiles lined the parking lot with plenty more inside. Some of the tables were labeled, "Take everything on this table for $1,000." It was tempting! KJ, who is in the process of tiling the steps at her front door, bought a ton of tiles. Really nice ones, I can't wait to see the final result. I limited myself to one $10 tile. I fell in love with its colors and art deco style.Even if you are not planning to redecorate your house in tile, just seeing all the available styles and patterns is fun. But don't forget your hat. The next public sale will be July 2008, so either check their website or jot down the phone number for next year. 310.287.0142.

(All photos on this blog copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Islamic Ceramic Tile Collection
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
I was cruising around on the LACMA website and came upon the online Islamic Ceramic Tile Collection. There are 91 tiles which you can enlarge in the viewer for close inspection. 11th Century to 19th Century. Of course, LACMA has other online collections you can look at. I'll be checking out other museum websites to seek out more tiles.

Friday in the Poppies

One of my latest tiles, this was inspired by a trip to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve spring of 2005 to view the poppy fields. You can see this tile and the photo that inspired it, by clicking here.

Tile Store AdventureToday KJ and I, intrepid adventurers that we are, braved the treacherous rain-soaked streets of Los Angeles on our quest for the wild tile! For those of you who do not live in Southern California, or who have never visited here on a rainy day, let me explain that driving the rain slick streets of LA is not for the weak at heart. Southern Californians (that is, anybody who has lived here for a year or longer) DO NOT know how to drive in less than clement weather. Therefore, the decision had to be made, do we postpone our long laid plans to shop for tiles or do we take a deep breath and go anyway? As it is my experience that postponed plans quickly fall into the category of plans never realized, we decided to take the plunge.

I am so glad we decided to go to Mortarless Building Supply Company which was recommended by a friend of KJ's. At first glance I was not sure this was going to be the place to find any good tiles. I was expecting something a little more polished and organized. But when we stepped into the main room it was obvious we would find some treasures. After all, I feel more comfortable in places like this that tend to be on the ramshackle side, totally unpretentious (and totally dedicated to tiles).

KJ is tiling her back porch steps (for now). I have been contemplating ripping out my ancient and tattered carpet in the living room, replacing it with hardwood or laminated wood, and decorating the transitions between wood and tile floors (at the foyer and dining area) with threshholds of 4" decorative tiles. This turned out to be my day to make that decision with no turning back. I bought 36 tiles, no two alike. Now all I have to do is decide which tiles go where. When I arrived home I placed the tiles on the carpet, along with the wood samples that have been sitting there for weeks, and I already like the look. I've been told my place looks like an Alpine Chalet, so now it's Alpine by way of Mexico.

My friend was able to find several designs that, after a lot of back and forth between the two of us, look really good together. I don't know if I confused her or helped her, but I think the final project will look spectacular. The employees at the tile store were all very helpful. If you can't find enough tiles in the right pattern they will either search their inventory or order some (but that could be a long wait). We both left feeling happy with our purchases. I'm sure I will be back there for my next tile project.... maybe the deck?

Mortarless Building Supply Company
Handcrafted Ceramic and Clay Tiles
2707 Fletcher Dr, LA 90039
323.663.3291

(All photos on this blog copyright Roslyn M Wilkins and not to be used without permission.)

Tile Two Years in the Making

In 2005 I took a trip to Italy with my friend JM. Fortunately, she is a very adventurous lady and we were able to leave the group and find our own way around on many occasions. This was one of them. While the others paid an exhorbitant amount of money to visit one island at Lake Maggiore, three of us took off on our own and for much less money were able to get to three places, including Pescatori, where I took this photo. For two years I thought about this photo, and finally it all came together and I was able to paint the tile. So here is the tile and the original photo. I already see another version of this and can't wait to get started. But I have to clean up the house today so it will have to wait.

(All designs and photos on this blog copyright Roslyn M Wilkins and not to be used without permission.)

Sister City Tiles at Vets in Culver City

Culver City has a plethora of Sister Cities, at least five, including: Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico; Kaizuka, Japan; Iksan City, South Korea; Lethbridge, Canada; and Yanji City, Jilin, China. The first four of these were honored on March 3, 2007, with the unveiling of ceramic tiles painted with scenes relating to those places. The tiles were painted by Lori Escalera, who was the founding president of the Culver City Art Group and has other public artwork around the city. The tiles are being installed at the Veteran's Building (at the corner of Culver Blvd. and Overland) on the doors of rooms named after these sister cities.


At left: Artist Lori Escalera with Mayor Gary Silbiger and the Uruapan tiles.

As a tile painter/artist myself, I really enjoyed the speech Lori gave about art as function. Here are a few snippets:

"I would like to address the idea of some that “Artwork may be diminished by its relationship to function.” History proves that art and functionality go hand in hand. It has provided artists with gainful wage, and survival - beginning with cave art, which functioned as a practical method to focus society on a fruitful hunt. In the Renaissance, artwork was a guild business as religious leaders communicated to the masses of spiritual interests and wealthy patrons needed portraits to record and exhibit their prestige. In the 17th, 18th and 19th century artists were hired as illustrators for secular business advertising.

However following the Industrial Revolution there was a clear understanding that artists needed to relate aesthetics to ugly massed produced goods. A true movement of function integrated with art emerged by the 20th century... Work again emerged for artists as they were hired to progandize modern war and politics. I wonder if anyone realizes in the 21st century, how “Public Art Ordinances” service the artist as a viable business [as a] functional reaction to damage caused from urban development. Proving again, combining art with function enhances the world humans inhabit. Art that is remembered throughout history IS tied to function.

It is only a very contemporary idea that art may exist without function – as a sole means of human creativity. But if we look at modern life we see that mankind finally has the leisure time to contemplate his naval - for the sheer fact that it is there. Man is not constantly consumed by survival mode.

...enjoy artwork. Do not shy away from controversy over art. Do not think that art can only be an emotional experience or an intellectual one. We are humans given two separately functioning brain hemispheres that may work together for different reasons at different times. The more art stimulates us in passion and intellect the more successful it is."

(All photos on this blog copyright roslyn m wilkins and not to be used without permission.)

How I got interested in Roman mosaics.

I have a very vivid memory of a field trip to a Roman Villa somewhere in the south of England when I was a child. I remember the remains of some walls perhaps a foot high surrounding some mosaics. One mosaic in particular of stylized plants in blues and greens stands out in my mind. I remember nothing about the rest of the trip, just that flash. I didn't ever actually think actively about that scene, but it must have remained tucked away in some corner of my brain, because when it came to the forefront again a couple of years ago, it was not a surprise to me that it had been lurking there all my life.

Even before I became interested in painting ceramic tiles or collecting them, I was fond of a book in my library on Islamic architecture which of course incorporated photos of tiles and mosaics. I bought it at least thirty years ago and looked at it often over the years, but it did not bring forth that childhood memory. Even when I traveled to Andalucia, Spain because I wanted to see the tiles and mosaics at the Alhambra in Granada and the Great Mosque at Sevilla, I did not think of that mosaic.

But in my first year of classes in the Archaeology Program at UCLA, the students were asked by one of the professors to talk about our specific area of interest. The memory of that mosaic popped into my head and I knew that was why I had signed up for the program. Since then I have developed a true passion for ancient mosaics, particularly from the Roman Empire. This ties in nicely, of course, with my love of tiles. And now, after a lifetime, I know for sure what my mission in life is: to find out anything and everything I can about mosaics and tiles, to immerse myself in that subject. But I don't have a specific goal. Perhaps I will find that as I walk along the path... or maybe there is no goal. It doesn't really matter. I am enjoying my passion, and that is exactly what it is all about.

Postscript:
I lived in Worthing, Sussex when I visited the Villa, so the excavation must have been close by. If anybody has any information about where this might have been I would appreciate hearing from you.

Revised date for the unveiling of Lori Escalera's tile mural

The Culver City Sister City Committee Cordially Invites you to attend
The Unveiling of Tile Murals Artworks of Culver City’s Four Sister Cities
Iksan City, Korea
Kaizuka, Japan
Uruapan, Mexico
Lethbridge, Canada

Saturday March 3rd, 2007
At Culver City Vets Memorial Complex
4117 Overland Avenue In the Rotunda Room
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Refreshments
Tiles Artworks by Artist Lori Escalera

“Wings of Peace” painting by Artist Sue Li of the CCHS Academy of Visual and Performing Arts

Calligraphy Art presented to City of Culver by Japanese Dignitary - Tairiku Okada on display at the event

We hope to see you there!

These are two tiles I painted for the Ballona Network Art Auction last year. I was extremely happy to be able to contribute my artwork to such a good cause.

What is the Ballona Network? It’s an affiliation of people and organizations that support a Regional Greenway and Urban Wildlife Corridor stretching from the LA River to USC, the Aqua Line from USC to Culver City, Ballona Creek, the Baldwin Hills, and the Ballona Wetlands and Uplands to Santa Monica Bay. Many officials, ordinary citizens, and environmental organizations have written letters supporting our Greenway Vision of creating a continuous Urban Wildlife Corridor within the Ballona Watershed. Approximately 90% of the land needed to do this has been, or is in the process of being acquired. To accomplish our goal we must speak with one voice for the acquisition, improvement, and/or restoration of the remaining parcels either through purchase, conservation easements or right-of-ways. We must also support the use of natural methods of restoring our water quality and supply and opportunities to clean street and urban runoff throughout the watershed rather than sending the urban pollutants to the sea.