Written in Stone
Mosaic artist, stone mason, builder, designer, and ceramist Eric Rattan of Santa Fe Design Studio in Madison, Wis., says he loves working in stone because of the inherent beauty of the material and because of its permanence. The recipient of the 2001-2002 Tile Heritage Foundation award, Rattan works in many types of stone, but also in ceramic, and uses multi-colored grouts. Every piece he creates is one of a kind and requires the clients’ total faith in his work. “It’s an unusual process,” he says. “I work with the client to develop the theme and colors that are appropriate for their home and listen to all their choices, but once we’ve gotten past that stage, the collaboration ends.” He uses no drawings or sketches, but instead walks around a room full of stone and “lets the rock decide what the picture will be.” His works are in homes in nearly every state. Shown here is Rattan’s “Primitive Elk and Bear Silhouettes,” a fireplace surround in Pennsylvania slate and South Dakota quartzite. 608.231.1883. www.santafedesignstudio.com.
European Contemporary
Stew Langer, artist in kiln-formed glass, begins a custom project by analyzing the venue, his client’s needs and concerns, the budget, and his own personal feelings about the space. From floor-to-ceiling motorized glass, laminate, and metal sculptures to shower enclosures or balustrades, Langer’s UroGlass pieces can be created to suit any need. Using domestic materials and Australian technology, glass sheets are placed on refractory molds in industrial furnaces and reshaped, cut, polished, colored, textured, finished, and then crafted into one-of-a-kind designs. Langer meets personally with each client, and he will travel to any part of the country to install his work or personally inspect installation that is performed by his team of installers and artisans. UroGlass also offers a line of vanities, integrated vessels, sinks, mirrors, and shower doors. 816.283.3876. www.uroglass.com.
