A new online resource, clé, was recently launched by Deborah Osburn, a 25-year tile industry veteran. The site represents handcrafted artisan tile in a variety of styles from around the world. Artists and artisan studios from a range of regions are represented from California and Pennsylvania in the U.S. to South Africa, Scotland, Canada and England.
The methodologies used by the artists to produce their works are varied. Tiles are carved, painted, silkscreened and lithographed. clé (pronounced clay) is a play on the classic tile material and the French word for key. The tile studios represented offer a variety of styles, ranging from a crude recycled-clay subway tile to a industrial-chic glazed brick to a selection of classic offerings.
The tiles on clé represent the distinct visions of the artists who created them. It is Osburn’s goal to highlight and give access to these works.
