To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.
– Leonard Bernstein
Welcome to the Fall edition of TileLetter ARTISAN. This issue is LITERALLY chock-full of stories and inspiration and ways to engage with the artisan movement.
Our cover story details the work of Indiana mosaic artist Nancy Keating, and her Cosmic Flow murals in Carmel, Ind. Glass from Kokomo Opalescent Glass and Mosaic Trader combined with setting materials by LATICRETE – and a GoBoard substrate by Johns Manville – give expression to Keating’s amazing vision.
Speaking of vision, Nawal Motawi made her inspiration of creating stunning tile in a company that is run with intentionality and integrity a reality. Learn more about Motawi Tileworks, its remarkable tiles, and its refreshing approach to business in our Maker story.
Have you been positively impacted by a mentor? Well, tile artisan Lucas Hendrickson of Sticks & Stones Flooring and Tile, LLC, has envisioned a book called Hands of Heritage that will pay homage to teachers and mentors. Read more about this industry-wide initiative in our Artisan column, and how you can participate.
The love story that formed the basis for Malibu Potteries is detailed in our Tile Throwback story this issue, by Tile Heritage Foundation’s Sheila A. Menzies and Joe A. Taylor. And just an aside: earlier this summer the Tile Heritage Foundation board invited me to join them in light of longtime legendary member Riley Doty stepping down. I accepted, and now I get to collaborate with an amazing group of creatives and businesspeople to further the work of the Foundation.
Did you know there was a document in the NTCA Reference Manual on handmade tile? Well, there is – and in our Technical section, CTEF’s Scott Carothers explores this document that Jan Hohn of Hohn & Hohn, Inc., and her committee developed for inclusion in this year’s edition.
If you don’t yet know him, our Craftsperson column gives you the opportunity to meet Triniti Vigil, Vice President of Operations at NTCA Five-Star Contractor J&R Tile, Inc. Learn about his journey in the tile industry and the exceptional strengths he offers his company, community and the industry. And then, page over to our Installation story to read about the challenging and vibrant UTSA mural that J&R Tile installed at the school’s downtown campus.
Our Travels column takes you on an excursion to the stunning Tile House right here in Albuquerque, N.M., and Luna Parc, “madcap artist” Ricky Boscarino’s home and art/architectural compound in Sandyston, N.J. Hold on to your hats as you enjoy these two amazing sites!
Peruse our Gallery section to learn about the work of Brett Stern, Keith B. Gorham, and Lisa Bustamante’s first commercial commission.
I am excited to share with you some exciting news about 2024. When we first were exploring the idea of starting TileLetter ARTISAN magazine back in 2020, one team member asked if we would be able to find enough artisan material to fill two issues a year! (Cue laughter!) I am here to tell you that after closing every issue of TileLetter ARTISAN, there are always more stories to tell. In 2024, I’ll have a chance to do that, since we are expanding to three issues a year – May, August and December. The enthusiasm and investment in developing and supporting artisanship and craftsmanship has exploded, and we needed an extra issue a year to try to contain it all.
So, take this as an invitation to EMAIL me your work at [email protected] to be considered as a feature or Gallery submission. It’s never too early to start. And – for those tile makers, studios, equipment manufacturers or artisans who want to promote their work in a more targeted way, we are introducing ARTISAN Marketplace, with business-card sized ads for only $250 a pop! For more information, check out our media planner at the “Advertise with Us” tab at TileLetter.com. Great things are happening!
Editorial Director and Senior Writer for TileLetter and TileLetter ARTISAN
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.
