Fergus Pine Cone tile
Janet Fergus
art tile
I specialize in sculpted ceramic art tiles that I handcraft entirely without using any assistants. The process of making the tiles begins by creating an original design for the tile project on paper. I get the inspiration for most of my designs from nature and animals. After my idea is formulated, I create the design using photographic references and my imagination. I like to stylize my subjects, giving them a strong illustrative element and allowing their natural character to dominate along with a touch of whimsy. I am particularly influenced by Oriental, Art Nouveau, Pre Colombian and other illustrative styles of art.
Fergus Four Horses panel
What I like most about making tile is that it allows me to combine my greatest art passions of illustrative design and sculpture together in one medium.& I have been a ceramicist for over 25 years, sculpting and making hand built slab and coil pottery. My interest in tile design started years ago when I received a commission to design and create a tile mural for installation in an antique oak mantel. I realized that designing and making art tiles was what I wanted to focus on.