Led by ceramic artist Laura Burgess of the Professional Artists of St. Augustine (PAStA) Fine Art Gallery, the “Forget White Subway Tile!” workshop introduced students to the rich history and evolving possibilities of tile as both a functional material and an artistic medium.
Burgess began the session with a presentation that traced tilemaking traditions across centuries and cultures, from ancient Mesopotamia to the intricate designs of Seville, Spain. She discussed why tile was originally created, how it has been used throughout history, and how its role continues to evolve in contemporary design.
“It’s everywhere and it’s beautiful,” Burgess said. “Absolutely beautiful.”
Students were then introduced to a range of stylistic traditions, including the distinctive blue-and-white motifs of Delft tiles, before viewing examples of Burgess’ own work. Using a reference sheet featuring various tile styles, participants were asked to identify designs that resonated with them, helping guide their creative approach.
The workshop then shifted into a hands-on experience. Burgess demonstrated foundational techniques such as sprigging, a process that uses molds to add raised, decorative elements to clay surfaces. She also showed students how to build up, carve into, and apply texture to their tiles.
Students then began creating their own tiles, translating their graphic design sensibilities into three-dimensional forms. As they worked, Burgess offered individual guidance on composition, technique, and creative decision-making, while also discussing production tiles and different finishing methods used in the field.
By the end of the session, each student created a unique tile that will be kiln-fired and available for pickup in the coming weeks, providing a tangible outcome of their Design Week experience.
As the session wrapped up, the room reflected the workshop’s central idea: design is as much about process as it is about the final product. Each tile, shaped by hand and marked by individual choices, captured a moment of experimentation and discovery that cannot be replicated on a screen.
