Your craft needs not just your effort to thrive, but the entirety of your heart.
MICHAEL BASSEY JOHNSON, SIPS AND LITTLE PORTIONS
Welcome to the Artisan issue of TileLetter—and to the swelter season. Hope you can keep cool by kicking back in the shade with a cold beverage and this month’s TileLetter, which shines a light on the artistic dimension of tile craftsmanship.
Bart Bettiga’s One-to-One interview with Karim Motawi, the new Executive Director of Development for the Tile Heritage Foundation, explores how intertwined the various segments of the industry are—from handmade tile to installation—and how the Foundation is looking to support and celebrate them all.
Our Business story continues the theme of connection with a recap of a Coverings panel featuring four accomplished artisan women who came together to explore their individual specialties and the connections linking history, craftsmanship, artistry, and installation. Discover their contributions to this interdependent industry web.
Our Maker story focuses on cultivating the next generation of A&D professionals. NTCA staff and members joined with CTEF and industry sponsors to undertake a project with students in the School of Architecture at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). Thirteen students built furniture, designed mosaics to adorn it, learned how to cut, install and grout—all in three months, in time to display at the Coverings Lounge. What did they make and what did they learn? Flip over to our Maker story to find out.
In our Technical story, we are treated to a personal tale by NTCA’s former Training Director Mark Heinlein. He shares his experience creating an inlay for his sauna floor. Learn about what went well, what didn’t and why in his story. Then check out our Ask the Experts article about ensuring success when installing handmade tile.
In our Gallery section, marvel at tile projects that span the spectrum, from an award-winning 100-year-old home renovation, to a mosaic install at the historic Macy’s in Chicago, to a mosaic tribute to veterans, to a playful kitchen backsplash, each putting a fresh spin on craftsmanship.
Trace NTCA Member and Ambassador Lucas Hendrickson’s trajectory in the industry from a teen tile helper to the Owner of Northwest Artisan Tile Company in Auburn, Wash. An intensely creative craftsman, Hendrickson was put on a path to custom mosaic work by the Artisans Revolution in Tile (A.R.T.) training in 2023, which has added a new dimension to his tile contracting business. Meet him in our Member story.
In our News section, we bring you information on artisan events around the country—from Albuquerque to Pennsylvania to Nashville to Dallas—with A.R.T. training and alumni figuring prominently in several of these reports.
LATICRETE collaborated with robotic mosaic company Artaic to create a multi-story mosaic staircase mural in Boston designed by artist Carly Glovinski. This project graces our cover and demonstrates the power of creativity and collaboration.
NTCA President Rod Owen underscores the artisan status of every professional tile setter and emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning to enable them to both bring a client’s vision to life and have it endure the test of time.
As you page through this issue, take pride in your status as a member of this time-honored legacy of creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship. Keep making the world a beautiful place!
Lesley Goddin has been writing and journaling since her first diary at age 11. Her journey has taken her through a career in publishing and publicity, landing her the editor position of TileLetter and its special publications in 2006. Her goal is to educate, inspire, recognize and encourage those in the tile industry -- especially the tile and stone contractor.
