Welcome to this special Artisan issue of TileLetter, which is meant to inspire you, ignite interest in pursuing new skills that expand your offerings to your clients, and affirm the incredible legacy of artistry that every quality-minded tile setter and contractor is a part of.
“Picture it in your mind before you tile it with your hands.” – Point Up: Points to Ponder for the Tile Contractor, Volume I, published by NTCA
Our Business section introduces us to several tile setters and contractors who have branched out into dedicated mosaic businesses to highlight their artisan skills. Also read about a consumer-facing Facebook page that puts tile artisans in closer touch with potential clients.
NTCA Member Jeff Roesner of Artisan Wood Tile & Stone in Huntsville, Ala., has built his career on educating his clients and meeting customer needs in a tailored way. Find out more about Jeff in our NTCA Member story.
A theme of restoration emerged in our issue this time around. Read about the work NTCA Member Hector Ruiz did in Glenwood Springs, Colo., restoring rooms in the vintage 1888 bathhouse with rustic-look tile, and upgrading the nearby Hot Springs Lodge with gauged porcelain panels – two diverse skill sets. In our Gallery section, Donato Pompo provides details about installations of Millard Sheets mosaics and hand-painted and glazed tiles in California and upcoming restoration. The Gallery also explores David Arnott’s mosaic that incorporates race track car parts, and rogue mosaics by seasoned artisans, and those inspired by them.
When it comes to restoration and preservation of this industry’s legacy, thoughts turn immediately to the Tile Heritage Foundation. Based in Healdsburg, Calif., the Foundation’s board has agreed to start moving the vast collections to a soon-to-be-built wing at the Tile Council of North America in Clemson, S.C. The first of two moves begins this fall. The Industry Exclusive story explains why this move benefits you and the future of design, and what’s needed to complete this move.
Artistry fuels the work of Artaic, the Boston-based company that uses mosaic tile as its medium to create works of art. It melds human creativity and robotic technology to put stunning and custom mosaics into wider circulation. Learn more in our Maker story.
Mitering is growing as a technique to provide precision trim for tile projects. It can result in a stunning effect – but it has some caveats. Find out more about mitering in our Technical story from CTEF’s Scott Carothers. Also discover what the NTCA Technical Team says about using non-pigmented grout when installing cement tile in our Ask the Experts section.
In our One-to-One story, NTCA Executive Director Bart Bettiga meets with Mohamed Azizi of the newly-established Moroccan Tile Contractors Association Union and talks with him about installation best practices, recruiting people into the trade, and successfully installing the increasingly-popular Zellige tile. And in his President’s Letter, Rod Owen tackles Leadership Acumen this month in his series of Ten Essential Acumen Skills for Successful Business Leaders.
Our cover story presents the tale of a Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired pool – which won a Coverings Installation Design Award this spring – and the essential LATICRETE setting materials that helped make the project a winner.
The right products, tools and equipment can make or break an artisan project. Check out our Product Focus section to learn about tools that can make your job more efficient and professional.
Finally, in our News section, get informed about pertinent classes and conferences, initiatives, and fun forays into mosaics.
What story in this issue was most useful to you? Let me know at [email protected]!
God bless,
Lesley
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.
