The Custom Design Process and FAQ's
First the forms are laid out on the table . . . .
The clay is sponged down over the forms, creating a piece that is “sculpted from below” . . . .
The wet clay then has iron oxide slip painted over it,which is then carved away in a process called Sgraffito. The result is a sculptural tile that flows with the imagery.
How are your tiles made? What does “sculptural” mean?
Our tiles may be unlike any you’ve see before — they are not flat. Each tile is rolled and sculpted by hand, and the undulations, curves, and dips of each piece flow with the imagery carved upon it.
Our tiles are “sculpted from below” by a simple process that creates three-dimensional shapes in the wet clay. Once the clay drys to “leather hard” it is then carved, line by line, to create a composition that is in harmony with the shape, gesture, and detail.
This is artwork that engages the senses - the movement of light and shadow across the piece is like a rich tapestry of color and texture, the hand of the artist is visible in every line, and the creative energy behind every stage of the production process can be both seen and felt — literally.
A large textural mural in process, showing the relationship between the forms below and the carvings above.
The video shows the creation process of a large tree, from the first pounding of the clay to the final glazing.
What is the cost of your tiles?
Each custom project is priced based on the size of tiles, the carving complexity, and the level of customization. Our 12” tiles are typically $400 each, which can give you a square-footage estimate as a baseline for your project.
We offer trade pricing to qualified designers and art consultants — learn more about trade pricing and get in touch with us here.
What is the process like for creating custom work?
Each custom piece is a creative collaboration, giving you the opportunity to engage directly with the artists to create something truly unique.
Our custom project pricing includes one hour of consultation and one round of photos/drawing for approval. For projects with imagery based on our portfolio of previous work, this is a fairly simple process.
For projects with unique design elements, or something completely new, these require multiple rounds of drawings and an extended investment in the pre-production design process. We charge an additional design fee of 10-15%, depending on the size and complexity of the piece.
What is the typical production timeline?
Depending on our production schedule, a typical project takes between 8-12 weeks to move through all stages of the process. The production process includes several drying periods, carving stages, two rounds in the kiln, and glazing.
Note that the 8-12 week production timeline begins only AFTER design approval, the signed return of the Creative and Financial Agreement, and receipt of a 50% deposit.
Organic materials and extreme high heat — understanding the nature of ceramic art and the need for contingency.
Our clay is mined from the earth in nearby Sheffield, Massachusetts. Our glazes are proprietary formulas created by Natalie and mixed from organic mineral elements here in our studio. Our kilns fire to 1700 degrees Fahrenheit. There is an alchemy of transformation that comes together within the kilns, and there is always an element in the organic process that is beyond our ability to control.
As professional ceramic artists, we ensure that every project is scheduled with a “contingency” window to allow time to reglaze and refire if necessary, while still meeting your deadline.
There are often unexpected and unique variations inherent in ceramic art. Our Creative and Financial Agreement carefully outlines the scope of expectations, and we work closely with each client to ensure satisfaction with the final outcome. Please Note: We do not guarantee exact outcomes, and the nature of this medium sometimes involves working with the unexpected.
What should I know about the installation and care of NBS tiles?
Our tiles can be grouted directly in place for a permanent installation, or hung on the wall with our unique and secure hanging system. We include detailed installation instructions with each shipment, and have more information about the installation here.
The care of our tiles can include additional sealing for installation areas around water or grease, but typically they require no special cleaning considerations. They can be cleaned with typical household cleaners.
