Islamic tiles

Figure 3.27 - Adams, Z., (2019). Islamic tiles. Ceramic tiles with geometric and arabesques design applied.

This collection of ceramic tiles makes reference to Islamic tiles from between the 12th to 14th century (see figure 3.28) and Moroccan tiles. The eight pointed star combined with the cross are popular tile shapes in the world of Islamic tiles. Many of the tiles display arabesques designs and are boarded with Arabic calligraphy of either poetry or Quranic scriptures.

Figure 3.28 - Porter, V., (1995). Star and cross lustre tiles.

Using the CAD program called Rhinoceros, I designed and then 3D printed stencils that I could use to press a design into the tiles (see figure 3.29). I used this method to ensure that all the tiles would come out the same because they needed to fit together well.

Figure 3.29 - Adams, Z., (2019). 3D printed tile stencils.

For another set of tiles I applied a thin layer of slip to create a botanical arabesque pattern. The technique I used is a lot like applying henna. I filled a plastic packed with slightly firm constancy of clay, cut a hole out in the corner and squeezed the slip out to create the vines leaves and flowers on the tile (see figure 3.30). When painting on the glaze, I filled the surface of the tile with a thick layer of glaze and used a wet cloth to wipe off the glaze from the slip pattern. I painted the slip pattern on after.

Figure 3.30 - Adams, Z., (2019). Plastic bag of slip clay.

This collection of tiles was a means of spiritual mediation. I have inscribed Quranic verses of the testimony of faith around the edges. The tiles are similar to the ceramic bowls in the way the inscriptions are never ending and in addition they continue on from one tile to the next.