Natalie will be exhibiting her piece “Tree of Life” in the Tell-Tale Tiles & Fractured Fantasies exhibit, March 19 – April 19 2010 at the Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Philadelphia, PA. The exhibit explores contemporary tile making and ceramic mosaic as a story-telling medium in the spirit of artists Henry Chapman Mercer and Isaiah Zagar. The scope of the exhibition will be broadened to include social, political, personal and family stories. The exhibition is co-presented by Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and theTile Heritage Foundation. The exhibition will be held at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020-1026 South Street, Isaiah Zagar’s enormous mosaic labyrinth. The venue will provide a space for tile and mosaic artists from around the country and abroad to make powerful statements in their medium that are socially meaningful to both themselves and the community.

Here’s the narrative that will accompany Natalie’s tile piece: “The Tree of Life, a universal symbol found in many spiritual traditions, is a symbol of healing, growth and regeneration. Tall and strong, it has deep roots. It reaches skyward. It loses its leaves and grows new ones; it gives shelter. With nurture and care, it lives for generations. A tree also bears seeds or fruits, which contain the essence of the tree, and this continuous regeneration is a potent symbol of immortality.

The resounding feature of my work is the appearance of softness and lushness, as if one is looking at a wall textile. The work invites the hand to flow over the carved lines. The fluidity of the carved lines, combined with the strength and solidity of the imagery provides energy and a welcoming presence in any room.”

Unalun tiles can be installed indoors or outdoors. The high-fired, durable, sun and weather resistant tile can be grouted into a permanent installation or hung as a tile mural. The modular format of the tiles can be adapted to suit architectural niches, angles, large or small spaces, curved walls, and indoor or outdoor applications. Check out these outdoor installations:

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We had a call the other day from an art consultant who was looking for tiles for a  hospital project she’s involved in.  We put together the grouping below from tiles we had in stock and were able to ship them to her within a week.  They are 14″ x 14″ tiles with a backing that will hold her security fixtures.  Click on the image to enlarge.

Natalie will be traveling to five craft shows starting this month. Click on the image below to enlarge and see her schedule:

The magazine, Kitchen Solutions, recently showcased our Dahlia tile design, carried exclusively by Ann Sacks Tile Company.  We can design a backsplash in any size or design.

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Natalie will be exhibiting and selling her work at the ACC Retail Show in Baltimore, MD, February 25-28, 2010.  The show, held at the Baltimore Convention Center, is the largest juried, indoor craft show in the country.  More than 700 of the country’s leading craft artists will exhibit their work at the show.  Visit Natalie’s booth, #726.

For more information on the show, go to:

http://public.craftcouncil.org/baltimore

Natalie’s Booth

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Thanks to two of our galleries, Avalon Gallery and Seasons on St. Croix, for joining us in a cooperative ad, published in the latest issue of American Craft magazine. John and Mavis, co-owners of Avalon Gallery in Delray Beach, FL have carried Natalie’s work for years and are great friends. They were named a 2009 Top Retailer by NICHE magazine. Visit their website at: www.avalononatlantic.com

Seasons on St. Croix, Hudson, WI, is another great gallery, carrying the work of more than 160 local, regional and national artists. Visit their website at: www.seasonsonstcroix.com

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After unalun tiles are carved they are sent through the bisque kiln, where they are fired at 1900 degrees Farenheit. The tiles below are bisqued and awaiting their glaze.  We love the look of the high contrast before the tiles are glazed.  We have 28 glazes to choose from so there are almost endless possibilities for this piece.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Unalun tiles don’t just come in 12″ and 14″ square.  Check out these smaller, 5.5″ w x 7″ h tiles glazed in honey, and the 6″ x 6″ jade tiles below. They make a perfect grouping for a smaller wall space.  You can contact the studio to commission a piece with smaller tiles. Or go to the Natalie Blake Studios website http://www.natalieblake.com/#/series_fir to buy smaller tiles from the website.

Click on the images below to enlarge them.

When Ann Sacks Tile Co. unveiled our Dahlia design at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (May 2009) Metropolis Magazine picked up on the bold, warm, persimmon color we used as a sign of optimism for the future. We’re a trendsetter!

Click on the image below to enlarge: