In her HardinTiles studio in downtown New York, Joan Rothchild Hardin specializes in custom hand painted ceramic art tile installations & custom designer mirrors. Her award-winning tiles are valued for their sophistication and whimsy. Drawing on over 30 years’ experience as an artist in the ceramics studio, she creates a look not usually seen in the medium.
Of her tile work, Joan says, “When I switched from throwing on the wheel to working with tiles and firing them in an electric kiln, I thought I would miss the look of glazes that come out of a high fire gas kiln. Instead, I instinctively began layering glazes on the tiles to achieve a similar depth. Every time I open a kiln after a firing, I’m in awe of what the heat does to the glazes. Crystals appear. Little fish painted on a blue background actually seem to be swimming under water. It’s a never ending surprise and joy.”
She has an unabashed love of lush colors, textile patterns and textures, and visual humor, Some of the influences for her work have been Silk Road and Japanese textiles, Persian and Indian carpet designs, and the group of French Impressionist painters. She understands the way color and light from well-chosen design materials can imbue a room with happiness and warmth – and enjoys helping create the experience of peace and centering that comes from living and working in environments of craftsmen-made elements, things showing the obvious touch of a human’s hand.
Joan finds satisfaction in the collaborative process of working with clients to create custom tile designs for decorative murals, bathrooms, kitchens, windowsills, logos silk screened on tiles – and whatever other uses for original tile work clients wish to commission. In 2008 she added a line of custom designer mirrors incorporating her art tiles, upholstery fabrics, & decorative nail heads.
HardinTiles have been used in custom installations for residential and corporate clients, including three veterinary clinics and a yoga studio in New York City. They have also been featured in gallery and museum shows and in several books. Individual tiles are included in corporate and private collections internationally.
Please visit her website at http://www.HardinTiles.com
