About Motawi Tileworks
Nawal Motawi, founder of Motawi Tileworks, was first exposed to the tile of the Arts & Crafts Movement at Pewabic Pottery, which she visited during her first college ceramics class. “My professor had just completed a gigantic tile mural created with Pewabic Pottery, which he took us all to see,” says Nawal, “and I immediately began to fantasize about someday making tilework like that!” In 1992 she set out on her own, starting what soon became the Motawi Tileworks. Her brother, Karim, joined her as a business partner after graduating from college later that year.
In the beginning the pair spent many hours researching the ideas, aesthetics and production techniques of the period. Through their interest and continued study they have gained a keen understanding of the work of the Arts & Crafts period.
There are a few particular potteries of the period that are the lodestars for the Motawis on their artistic journey. Pewabic, Rookwood, and Grueby in particular inspire their glaze surfaces and palette of colors. Louis Sullivan, Ernest Batchelder, and Frank Lloyd Wright among others inform the sculptural work. The Motawi style is a fusion of influences that makes for a style all their own.
The Tileworks has focused on two distinct decorative styles. The “Relief” tile have a sculptural quality in low-relief and are colored with a single glaze. The “Polychrome” tile have many colors separated by a tiny ridge of clay. A third type of tile made at Motawi is the hand dipped “Field” tile (industry lingo for plain).
Motawi tile designs are a blend of art from the turn of the century and the Nawal Motawi's design sensibility. The designs are brought to life by a tile-making process which is a journey itself. Improving their techniques of pressing, glazing, and mold-making is a bit of an obsession in the studio. The artful tile—the outcome of this shared obsession—is evidence that this duo and their artisan team is at the top of their craft.
Nawal identifies with the philosophy and social ideals of the movement and has applied them to growing the business. An open book philosophy helps to keep the entire staff involved with the financial health of the studio.
If you would like to learn more about Motawi Tileworks, check out the book, Motawi Tileworks: Contemporary Handcrafted Tiles in the Arts & Crafts Tradition.
At Motawi Tileworks the staff and ownership have jointly developed a Vision and Ideals to live by:
Vision:
- We are respected as a great company and for our products
- The staff is prospering as the Tileworks prospers.
- We are acting out our highest ideals through the Tileworks.
Ideals:
- Act with compassion, respect and integrity.
- Impact the community in positive ways.
- Foster healthy relationships by fostering healthy communication
- Support staff development.
- Have fun.
And “have fun” we do—the studio is full of characters, art, colorful signs, toys, tile-clad lockers and celebrations. Staff meetings are spirited and full of debate and twisted humor. Life is short. Making tile with friends is fun.
Download Our Catalogs
Our full-color Motawi Gift Tile Catalog and Product Guide can both be downloaded for free from our download page. The Product Guide can also be ordered for $10 from the online store.
Motawi In Print!
Motawi Tileworks: Contemporary Handcrafted Tiles in the Arts & Crafts Tradition is now in bookstores and available here at Motawi at Home.
Over 100 tile images, historic and current, are featured. Author Anne Stewart O’Donnell takes you on a tour of the studio, highlighting tile-making processes.