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Ceramic Tile MuralsCeramic tile murals have been used for thousands of years to adorn buildings from the most regal palaces to humble abodes. These hand formed and hand painted ceramic tiles were used all through history from Mesopotamia to China and all throughout Europe as an enduring method of capturing beauty and preserving art in architecture. Over the years technology has revolutionized the way in which tiles can be mass produced and machine glazed. However, there remain a small number of artisans like Florida artist Kathryn Carroll who hold dear the traditions of hand painting and firing their ceramic tile murals to create one of a kind works of art to adorn your palace.
Our MissionKathryn Carroll Designs strives to create the highest quality, unique works of art for each of our clients. Using ceramic tile and tumbled marble as our canvas, we will work painstakingly with our clients to clarify their vision, capture it, and create a signature mural that will reflect your personality, and blend harmoniously with your environment
About The ArtistKathryn Carroll a native of Tom's River, New Jersey has been living in South Florida since 1983. She has over 14 years of experience creating custom hand-painted ceramic tile murals, and has been painting for over 25 years specializing in tropical themes, nature, landscapes, seascapes, and marine life. Kathy began painting professionally in 1992 and and in 2002 began marketing her art work through the internet. Since that time Kathy has been commissioned to create hundreds of tile murals and tumbled marble murals for residential and commercial clients throughout much of the United States in locations as far away as Alaska and Hawaii and the Caribbean as well.
About The MuralsCeramic tile murals are painted using one of several methods. Each method having its own "feel" as well as advantages and disadvantages for the artist. There is not necessarily a "better" way, it is more the artist's preference. The following is the method I prefer. The unfinished ceramic tiles or “bisque” starts out as “slip” (liquefied clay) which is poured into a plaster mold. The mold absorbs the moisture from the slip, and the clay begins to adhere to the mold and take shape. After the desired thickness is achieved, the excess slip is poured out and the piece is allowed to set. The mold is opened to reveal the next stage: “greenware”. The greenware is cleaned to remove seams and small blemishes. After sufficient drying time, the greenware is placed in a kiln and is fired at a temperature of 1830F to 1940F for 4 to 6 hours. The kiln is then allowed to naturally cool to room temperature; this may take approximately another 12 hours. After cooling, the kiln is opened and the bisque is removed. The bisque in now ready for painting. I use a commercially made bisque for most projects to ensure consistent quality and dimensional accuracy, although I also create house plaques and table tops of custom shapes, designs and sizes. I prefer to use under-glaze paints, which is like painting with liquefied clay. It takes a considerable amount of practice and experimentation to get the desired results, because unlike other types of paints, under-glazes look vastly different before and after firing, as my gecko friend above illustrates. And I may use a combination of 4 or 5 different blues and whites when painting ocean scenes. After the mural is completely dry the tiles are re-fired to bring out the full color of the under-glaze paints. The mural is then glazed with a clear glaze and refired to seal and protect the tiles. These tile are now the same size and equally as commercial tiles you would buy from a tile store. Prior to firing each tile is numbered and a schematic is provided so the installer will know the installation sequence. The photos below illustrate the how firing brings out the full color and luster of the under-glaze paints. These photos show my little "Deco Gecko" before & after firing. A very cool little dude!
Check out..  ..these Ceramics and Mosaics sites!
Contact Information for Kathryn Carroll Designs
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