Frequently Asked Questions

Is this oil on water? My Kid learned this in Kindegarten!

No and no he did not. My inks are made here by the artist, They are floated on Carrageenan in a traditional manner. The design is created .The handmade tile captures the essence of the fluid moment. It is coated with three coats of clear glaze and fired to 2248 degrees making it permanent.Each one is unique although it may have the same colors and pattern they come out individual.

7-27-04 "Why do you do this?" and "do people actually use your work?"

I like the challenge of making inks that go to 2250 degrees farenheit.

People use these paintings in all ways imaginable from Art pieces to Collectors.

Architects to Zebras is what I call it

Fountains to Floors...I will find a new one soon

5-25-1995 Are you the only one that does this Ive never seen it?

I may not be the best at what I do but I am the only one who does what I do!

Actually there are 200  other marblers in the world and we stick together! Its a special medium and I find qualities in people that practice it...usually the patience and beauty of zen can be found in these artists. It is a fascinating art

What book did you learn from? Or was there a human you are copying? It must be easy!

Oh there were no books on marbling at the time, just hours, days and years and thousands of dollars thrown into these creations you are now learning about. I have never seen another piece of ceramic ebru in publication EVER.The work on ceramic is self taught,  I have a few mentors, whose work I saw or studied with.I started doing Paper and fibers taking it to shows, stores and galleries then when my favorite people approved of the work thru aquisition I realized It had arrived.It is really can be complicated  at times but the bee can not fly because its weight and proportions are not that of aeronautical quality but because the bee does not know this..He flies.

I wanted the work to permanent so I studied ceramics and came up with the transition.

I still do marble fabric and paper every once in a while.

Do you do this marbling for a living?

Yes! Thanks to the many people out there who enjoy it, that is why we are here now!!

What are your favorite jobs?

The one where the client had a plan and just got me to do my thing and then they did theirs with it.Sometimes I do not even see the outcome or have a clue of what people are doing.

Do you do custom colors?

Yes there are always the people that need a special color. I do not match dishwashers or things like that. My black may be black and a bit differnt tomorrow.It is just the nature of marbling and ceramics.It is the way this works that makes it work the way it does.

Do you take credit cards?

No but I can find a way to get the product to you.I usually  get 50 percent down when ordered and the rest before shipment.

Do you set the tile you make? Or can anyone do that?

Sometimes I will.It depends on the variables involved.

I apprenticed with a tile setter for years as I aquired the end use of the business and made money to fund the Research and Development of Watermarktile.

I would find the best tile setter in the area and use him after all its handmade tile and it can be difficult compared to commercial tile. Someone used to handmade tile should have the job! I have people set their own in their own setting. I am here with advice if you have my tile.

Do you keystone the freight?

NO NEVER! I even throw in free handling and packing and discounts with the trucking company of choice.You can always send you own jet to get the goods!

Has this been tested? Will it scratch or fade?

Scratch ? Not usually I do have some soft glazes that will so ask about each color.

Fade? no never these are permanent.

How come you do not teach this and sell inks and a dvd etc.?

It is so complicated it would be difficult so I spend what time I have left on earth doing the work so you can enjoy

Do you collect marbling?

Yes I do. I try to get a piece from everyone that does this and get them one of mine. Someday I hope to have a collection housed for viewing and classes for individuals to groups where I can share the info I know and help promote this lost art.

How do I obtain this? It almost sounds like an investment in art and in my space at the same time?

Just call me and together we make it all happen.

Investment yes Thanks for your interest in Watermark Tile