Status Ceramics was founded in the summer of 1986 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, not far from our current location in Seattle.  As a former serigraph printer, potter and leaded glass worker, I was drawn to custom ceramic tile as a medium for enduring artistic expression. The primary inspiration was the American Art Tile movement: Batchelder and Grueby; Pewabic Pottery and other turn of the century art tile studios. At a time when mass produced tile was flooding the market, I was reverting to the techniques of the American Art Tile pioneers. Their handcrafted techniques in glazing, molding, and firing required patience and craftsmanship but produced one of a kind works of art. It turned out I was not alone in exploring handcrafted techniques. Status Ceramics was just one of dozens of art tile studios, such as Motawi Tile, Pratt and Larson, California Potteries and Clay Squared, that were popping up around the country. The result was a renaissance in American Art Tile.

Over the last two decades we have found the elements of our artistry that distinguish us. Our glazes are a unique palette of colors and textures that defy replication. To highlight our palette, we use white clay for the body of the tile, just as a painter applies gesso to the canvas as a substrate. In 1993, Zsusza Bansaghi joined me at Status Ceramics. Trained in glaze chemistry, her expertise has enabled us to expand our palette and to coordinate with today’s color trends. She also works with her daughter to design craft tiles at Moda Tile. Over the years numerous artists have worked in our studio, all of whom have contributed to our vision of producing functional art tile.

In February 2009, Status Ceramics took the next major step. After many years of cooperation with the Calkins family, who have worked in tile distribution for three generations, we formalized the relationship by bringing them on as partners in Status Ceramics. Well regarded for their marketing and design, as well as a reputation for customer service and integrity, the Calkins share the values Status Ceramics was built on.

At each stage of growth, Status Ceramics has remained committed to craftsmanship, quality and timely delivery. Color continues to be the centerpiece of our design process. In this new era, we count on the design expertise of Susan Boyd and her nearly two decades of product development in the ceramic tile industry. Susan is spearheading the design of our new collections, providing a road map for designers working with our limitless combinations of colors, shapes, and designs.

Richard Scott

December 2009