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05/01/2009
ANN SACKS® introduces the Merge collection by Erin Adams PORTLAND, Ore(May 1, 2009) – ANN SACKS, a premier manufacturer and distributor of tile, stone and plumbing products, launched, Merge, its latest collection by designer, Erin Adams, at the 2009 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show in Atlanta. Inspired by the utilitarian simplicity and clean aesthetic of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Adams worked with her husband and renowned ceramic artist, Michael Corney, to develop the processes and glazes. The collection is aptly named Merge in honor of their collaboration and innovative design approach resulting from their partnership. “Ceramic tile is a completely new field for Erin at ANN SACKS,” said Dian Smith, president, ANN SACKS Tile and Stone, Inc. “However, her ability to visualize and create unique large scale installations is mirrored in this latest body of work, adding another remarkable facet to her ANN SACKS portfolio.” Adams and Corney employed a basic press mold technique where clay is hammered into plaster molds, fired and glazed. Adams said, “I was actually working on a design using recycled aluminum and drew the shapes out on paper and asked Mike to mock them up in 3D to get a better idea of how the tiles would look. Once we saw the designs in clay, Mike suggested that we glaze a few of the tiles and we knew we were on to something exciting.” Multi-disciplined in a variety of mediums and a self-proclaimed lifelong student of art, Adams has received national and international recognition for her remarkable custom glass tiles and extraordinary mosaics. Choosing ceramics for this new collection is a natural evolution for Adams, who was also schooled in ceramics. Adams originally selected glass as her material of choice, due to its lower cost, not requiring a kiln, and being readily accessible, when first beginning her career in New York City. “Moving into ceramics actually is a completion of cycles,” explained Adams. “I honed my craft with glass, but am captivated by processes and materials, and loved the challenge of expressing my art through ceramic.” The collection’s color palette includes 16 single colorways complemented by six patterns and offered in 1.5x1.5 and 1.5x3 sizes. “We chose earthy colors, drawing inspiration from nature, and bringing in brilliant color to accent,” said Corney. “The range allows the client to select the palette,” continued Adams. “I look at my work as creating a dictionary of terms or words and allowing the client to create their own language.” The tiles are suitable for interior and frost proof allowing it to also work for certain exterior installations subject to moderate climate and method of installation. “Merge, by design, is dramatic creating a focal point in a room,” concluded Adams. “Its textural, multi-dimensional design naturally draws the eye and generates excitement in smaller applications, such as backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and showers, or imparts the type of presence required in full wall installations. It has an engaging complexity, but is not too precious, with an organic quality that elevates a room into a living space.” |
