Month: August 2019

Jean Michel Othoniel installation "Îles Singulières" exhibition
Art and Artists, France

Sculptures des Îles Singulières

In an exhibition started earlier this month, French artist Jean-Michel Othoniel presents a mysterious set of sculptures. With his signature style and preference for materials that have more than one character, materials that reflect or reverse, these pieces are ambiguous and enticing. Othoniel’s artworks for the “Îles Singulières” exhibition at chateau la coste Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade (France) are comprised of watery blue and brushed metal-look silver … Continue reading Sculptures des Îles Singulières

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
Architecture, Façades, Germany, Museums, Terracotta, Ventilated Façades

Brightly Barred Brandhorst

Colourfully welcoming visitors to the arts district in Munich is the Museum Brandhorst – its façade varied and enticing, like a box of crayons. Designed by architecture firm Sauerbruch Hutton, the exterior was created as an indication of what lays behind it. Using around 36,000 TERRART®-Baguette ceramic rods in 23 custom colours the building itself becomes an abstract display. When seen from a distance the … Continue reading Brightly Barred Brandhorst

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
Birds in Trees Charcoal Smoke and Fire Tiles
Art and Artists, Artisanal Tiles, Hand-made Tiles, United Kingdom

A Story of Smoke and Fire

With a group of designers whose priority is in the art, Smoke and Fire Tiles is a ceramic treasure trove. Founded in Stamford, Lincolnshire by Mark Aldridge, the company now resides in a converted granary in Suffolk. Their artistic skill is shown in spades throughout their collections which not only covers tile, but also other forms of ceramic art. Their hand-made artisanal tiles are predominantly … Continue reading A Story of Smoke and Fire

H.L. Simpson1 Comment
Art and Artists, Artisanal Tiles, Dutch Tiles, English Tiles

Beautifully Botanical

“London weeds” aren’t words that often inspire stunning images. But when put into context of the ceramic designs from Glithero, it’s easy to see their beauty. The company, composed of British designer Tim Simpson and Dutch designer Sarah van Gameren, produces a whole raft of varied and unique products. The main aim for the pair when designing is to capture the creation of beauty in … Continue reading Beautifully Botanical

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
3D tiles, Art and Artists, Concrete Tiles, Uncategorized, United Kingdom

Technical Texture Talent

London based surface design company Graphic Relief specialise in texture and materials, crafting unique and curious works and intricate designs. They have been involved in mural projects, architectural biennales, and art exhibitions, demonstrating the extent of their creativity and the brilliance behind their manufacturing processes. The materials they work with are varied, encompassing concrete, metal, ceramic, plaster, glass, and more. They work closely with their … Continue reading Technical Texture Talent

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
Etruscan design by Mario Montanari
Art and Artists, Artisanal Tiles, Design, Exhibitions, Hand-made Tiles, Italy, Small Format Tiles, Weird & Wonderful

Maestro Montanari

Although I have been writing about ceramic tiles for decades, and have visited Cersaie every year for over a quarter of a century, I still get a flush of excitement at the thought of this year’s show. I guess I really am a Tile Addict! So, in just four weeks, Hanna and I will pack our bags and head off to Bologna … full of … Continue reading Maestro Montanari

diaryofatileaddictLeave a comment
budri showroom Patricia Urqiola marble design interior
Design, interior design, Italian tiles, Italy, Showrooms

Creative Space

Earlier this year Milan welcomed another showstopping showroom to their streets. Located at Foro Buonaparte 60, right in the heart of the city, leading marble masters Budri can be found. Patricia Urqiuola, one of the brands creators and collaborators, and renowned architect and designer was enlisted to design the space. The idea was for the showroom to be more than a display centre, but to … Continue reading Creative Space

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
Art and Artists, Artisanal Tiles, Encaustic Tiles, Glazed Tiles, USA

Gorgeous Geometry

Los Angeles based Tracey Reinberg is the brains behind Kismet Tile. Since 1997 she has been using her talents to design exciting patterns for fabrics and wall coverings, working with big names in the furnishing industry. After inspiration from the Spanish Revival architecture’s use of cement encaustic tile during her childhood in San Antonio, her gift for design was eventually translated onto her first line … Continue reading Gorgeous Geometry

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
3D tiles, Art and Artists, Hand-made Tiles, USA

Ceramic Pop Art

Retro-feel products, toys, and scenes grace the glazed earthenware tiles of Greg Hicho. These whimsical pop art creations are filled with life, nostalgic scenes hand sculpted and moulded, and finished in vibrant colours. Hicho’s ceramic art subjects range from the popular TV dinner, Fluffo Pancakes and messy kitchen, to Troll Dolls, Sea Monkeys, and gumball machines. This take on American culture gives consumers an opportunity … Continue reading Ceramic Pop Art

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
Geometric tiles, Hand-made Tiles, Patterned Tiles

Hand-crafted Haveli

Fabric and wallpaper designer Neisha Crosland has always had an eye for pattern. Transforming her gift onto textiles and wall coverings allowed others to enjoy her keen sense of style – to simply marvel at her creations or to be lucky enough to incorporate them into their own homes. When finding inspiration for her house Crosland met with luxury surface specialist Alvaro de Ferranti. His … Continue reading Hand-crafted Haveli

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
3D tiles, Scandinavian design

Finnish Finesse

Finnish designer Maija Puoskari dabbles in all sorts, from lighting to pottery, and from furniture to textile. She also has a few things for the Tile Addict. Predominantly playing with 3D relief, her varied selection of tile designs fit perfectly in today’s desire for the unique, and the trend for texture. Her Finnish roots form much of her inspiration, with natural elements being highlighted or … Continue reading Finnish Finesse

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment
Floor Tiles, Italian tiles, Italy, Wall Tiles

Classy CON.CREA

Tasteful minimalism with an industrial flair is the mood of the day with Ariostea‘s CON.CREA. The collection’s Ultra slabs are now accompanied by the versatile and traditional sizes of 1,200 by 600mm, 600 by 600mm, and 600 by 300mm, enabling their use in smaller spaces, or providing an alternative to vast, uninterrupted expanses of texture. CON.CREA takes its inspiration from brushed concrete and synthetic resin, … Continue reading Classy CON.CREA

H.L. SimpsonLeave a comment