Northshore Magazine

224 nshoremag.com May/June 2014 photograph by mark corke (left) Symmetry Tile Works, Epping, NH due north from extruding clay to creating compositions to firing in a kiln, Symme- try Tile Works does all its work by hand. Founded in the early 2000s by Robert Rossel and his wife, Kerstin, the company uses materials like wildflowers, foliage, rocks, coral, and barn board to make tex- tured tiles. Employing natural objects as printing tools, applying handmade glazes, and layering crushed recycled glass onto the surface of each tile, artists fossilize nature's shapes in clay. The resulting tiles are used in custom murals, backsplashes, and myriad décor projects. What is your background and how has it influenced your latest venture? My fascination with ceramics started in college when I received bachelor of arts degrees in arts, anthropology, and educa- tion. I was addicted to learning about and making ceramic. I had two very different schools of training early on that influ- enced my approach to tile making: a Japa- nese classical apprenticeship in ceramics and an assistantship with a ceramic artist, John Glick, who pushed the envelope of clay, glaze, and surface treatment. Both methods influenced my personal style and led to a naturalistic approach to design. What do you think it is that makes people respond to your work? I think what's really beautiful about Symme- try is the fact that its foundation was formed over the course of 15 years while working with elementary schoolchil- dren creating tile murals. It was my wife, Kerstin, who changed my artistic career forever by inviting me into her classroom to work with her students. We ended up doing a tile mural in her el- ementary school, and have since worked with over 40,000 children making tiles and murals. Being able to offer a creative experience to thousands of young people is what brings balance and beauty to my, at times, complex life. Can you describe your creative pro- cess? My process is about using natural objects to pattern the surface of clay while making an artistic statement. I approach each tile as though it were an individual canvas. I try to capture what you might see on a walk in the woods or in the ocean, the desert, or a wildflower field. What do you hope to accomplish with your designs? I want our clients to use these tiles in the most sacred parts of their homes. I think people can relate to what we make because everyone wants to find beauty in their lives. Our goal is to make truly unique handmade tile art, custom- ized to fit into backsplashes, showers, fire- places, or any space that needs centering. symmetrytilenh.com q + a Natural Element A small collection of artists in Epping, New Hampshire, creates balance and beauty— one tile at a time. By Kiley Jacques Tile Trade Robert Rossel founded Symmetry Tile Works with his wife Kerstin. KJ_NS MayJun 14 DueNorth.indd 224 3/27/14 5:04 PM

• Cover