Learning To See
RTK Studios – tile artists
Tiles are flat shapes, often made out of clay, that are put together to cover a larger space. They can be plain or decorated.
Learn more about RTK Studios, Richard Keit & Mary Kennedy HERE.
RTK Studios are tile artisans steeped in the architectural ceramic traditions of the early 1900’s. The partners, Richard Keit & Mary Kennedy (above) have brought back the old world techniques of the exquisite Malibu Tiles, Catalina Pottery, and other tile replicas. We can trace the history of these tiles all the way back hundreds of years ago to the Islamic Empire and ancient China where they used math, patterns and symmetry to create amazing designs!
These tiles designs are all inspired by geometric shapes, flowing lines from nature and symmetry. You will follow the same rules to create your tile.
Create your own amazing metal tile with geometric shapes, lines and symmetry!
Use these supplies from your art packet plus a pencil.
Click below for video directions.
Click below for written directions.
Quick Directions
1. Fold your paper into quarters.
2. Draw a design on 1/4 of the paper using the rules for Catalina/Malibu/Mexican/Spanish/Islamic tiles! – You may use geometric shapes and flowing lines from nature, but no pictures of things from real life.
3. Put the metal inside the 2 layers of paper.
4. Put the paper with the metal on top of the foam. Always work on top of the foam!
5. Trace over your design using a pencil. The design will transfer in bumps to the metal.
6. Rotate the metal inside the paper a 1/4 turn. Trace over the design again.
7. Keep rotating and tracing until all four 1/4’s are done.
Click HERE to learn about lines, angles and symmetry.
Need a ruler & don’t have one? No problem! Watch this video to make one with notebook paper and a pencil!
Helpful Hints
- Your design can be simple and still look fantastic!
- Press hard enough to make the bumps in the metal without tearing your paper.
- Adding a shape to the center, corners and edges can help to make a strong design.
- Do keep the foam under your work!
- You might be surprised with how your design comes out. Most people are!
- Sometimes the design just does not look ‘right’ when only 2 or 3 parts have been transferred. That is because the whole pattern is not there yet. It will make more sense when you have finished all 4 parts.
Learning To See Student Samples
Funding
Our standard 8-week in-the-classroom residency is $550 (including instructor and supplies).
You can “Adopt A Classroom” for $550.00. Click HERE to Donate
Four week and single lessons are also available. Our lessons are cross-curricular and support the California content standards. Many of them can be tailored and grouped to work with a particular unit of study, i.e. zoology, social studies, history, language arts, sciences, etc. They are adaptable to a wide range of grade levels from elementary through secondary grades and beyond, including community groups and programs. Programs are supported in a variety of ways, including school and PTA funds, grants, or personal donations from an individual or group of parents/grandparents.
Our program is taught by professional artists who have extensive educational experience. We feel that this criterion helps to guide the student with a deeper understanding of the art making process.
For more information, or to arrange a residency in your neighborhood, call 805.653.2501 or email [email protected].
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