About Motawi Tileworks
Motawi Tileworks’ art tile aesthetic is firmly rooted in the turn of the century Arts and Crafts style. 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. “We aren’t really trying to duplicate works of the past,” says
Karim “Rather we are trying to create new work that embodies some
of the same design principles and intangible qualities as those early works.”
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” tiles have a sculptural quality in low-relief and are colored with a single glaze. The “Polychrome” tiles 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 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.
Karim and Nawal identify with the philosophy and social ideals of the movement and have applied them to their growing business. An open book philosophy helps to keep the entire staff involved with the financial health of the studio. A profit sharing program helps to ensure that everyone on staff has a stake beyond their weekly salary in how well the company performs.
At Motawi Tileworks the staff and ownership have jointly developed a Vision and Ideals to live by:
Vision:
- We are hailed as a great pottery in our time.
- 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 larger community in positive ways.
- Effectively communicate individual expectations, and company goals and policies.
- Support staff development.
- Have some 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. The Product Guide can also be ordered for $10 from the online store.
Tick Tock Need a Clock?
We have many styles to choose from. See the clocks
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.
One Tile Not Enough?
Motawi Tileworks can make tile for your fireplace, floors, kitchen or bath.