R.M. Creative Services
& Life Coaching
A Story
Ceramic Tile Artist & Designer
I fell in love with Ceramic tile as a young girl living in Malibu,
California. It started with my exposure to the colorful “Malibu Pottery”
Art Tiles I saw during field trips to the Adamson House on Malibu Beach
and the Sierra Retreat in the Malibu hills. The tile examples on many
buildings from San Pedro to Catalina Island, made by Catalina Island
Pottery and Tile, also made a strong impression.
In those young years, I found a mentor in a well-known tile artist named
Lori Reed. She shared with me her knowledge of the old tile manufactured
at The Malibu Pottery of the 1930’s. She utilized the same technique of
glaze application that “Malibu” had used. I was her student helper for
two years and my mother became her part-time assistant. In time, my
father became involved in tile production and the family business was
born.
I went away to college in 1974, but I always returned to Malibu for my
summer work-sessions with the family. At that point, the business was
creating custom, handpainted tile murals for clients including high
profile people such as: Barbara Streisand, Steve Allen and the Malibu
City Hall. In 1978, I left California for Oregon. While raising my
family there, I continued to create handcrafted, handpainted tile
designs for custom clients. Over the last 25 years I have created
original tile work, tile reproduction to existing architecture, and
customized tile projects using design and color. My work has evolved
over the years, but it still retains much of the old original process of
hand pressing, relief design, wax resist and hand painting. I have shown
my work in showrooms from Seattle and Portland to Los Angeles. I’ve
enjoyed working with many talented tile manufacturers, such as: Pratt &
Larson, Ann Sacks, International Tile and Oregon Tile & Marble, etc. I
have had the pleasure of working with the best interior designers and
tile installers as well.
In 2002, I expanded my product line and opened an Art Gallery in West
Linn Oregon with 2 other artists. I showcased one-of-a-kind tile art
mirrors, tables, planters and small relief murals. Regrettably, in 2003,
a family situation required me to relocate to Southern California.
Leaving “The Ripple Effect Gallery” behind was difficult but necessary.
Since my relocation, I have been busy building my new studio and happily
designing for my new production cycle which is scheduled to begin July
6th.
I look forward to the next phase of my work and all the opportunities
that will show up.. The fascination and involvement that I have with
“Art Tile” will only continue...
