KOHLER WasteLAB x Nada Debs - Seite 2

Transcendence is comprised of two field tiles, a 3"x12" size in four patterns, and a 6"x6" size in three patterns. The tiles are handmade in Kohler, Wis. by the KOHLER WasteLAB talented group of designers, ceramicists, and engineers who rely on factory waste as their primary medium and a multi-step process. Once the clay is pressed, WasteLAB artisans remove any excess clay around the edges before glazing and firing the tiles. The 6"x6" Transcendence field tile is available in Single Arch, Double Arch, and Double Vertical patterns, and are defined by recessed single and double arches, or triple line surface details. The 3"x12" tile has a slightly stepped, steepled pattern, featuring a single arch pattern in left and right facing designs, and a double arch pattern in left and right facing designs. The stepped face also produces the graduated, light-to-deeper colorations and illusionary presence.

"We use a proprietary technique to produce a very thin glaze that is achieved when it meets its melting point in the kiln," explained Monty Stauffer, Lead Industrial Designer, Product & Process, KOHLER WasteLAB. "This causes the glaze to run to the lowest point in the tile. By creating a tile with ‘steps' that are lower in the middle, the glaze pools in the low areas, creating a darker glaze color. The edges of the ‘steps' are where the glaze breaks causing more of the clay body to show through. These all combine to create a lot of depth in the tile with minimal actual surface depth change."

Debs selected two sophisticated shades for the collection - Turquoise and Lake. The interactive glaze created for the collection has a unique composition designed to pool and break over the textured surface during firing. A resulting delicate crackle occurs after the firing that adds to the artful visual effect.

"My palette takes its cues from the natural world," said Debs. "Blues are calming colors, reminding you of the sky, the sea, and in some cultures, is also considered good luck. Lake is quiet and soothing; Turquoise is happy, more social, and very vibrant. If the colors were personalities, I see Lake as introspective, while Turquoise is the extrovert. There is also the graduated shading that has an understated, but profound effect visually, enhanced by the unexpected gentle surface crackling that adds to the organic presence Transcendence imparts."