Welcome to Tile Style Inc.,
Regional artisan, tile artist Darlene Couch, a native Texan who has lived in Tucson, AZ for the past twenty five years has discovered a passion for designing and creating tile. Supported by her husband and family she works from her home where she has transformed her basement and garage into a studio where she hand cuts the different clays, and then glazes and fires the pieces from her kiln. Working with different clays and colors enhances the mystery of the finished product. In the glazing process the colors are not what theyre going to be until theyve been fired. So opening the lid of the kiln is like opening a present. Her artwork runs the gamut from birds, animals, flowers, to western and desert landscapes. Even though she still pursues her other hobbies of acting and gardening she sells her work to various dealers around town. Her pieces include concrete benches, tables, and various types of framed artwork.

She begins by drawing a design and then cutting it out on rolled clay. After the clay dries the glaze is applied. The glaze is a silicate-based product glass, basically. She uses brushes to apply three coats of the glaze, fires the clay, applies the detail onto the tile and then fires it again. Some tiles are fired as often as five times, so its possible to change the colors and improve or alter the overall look during the process. There are a variety of techniques that can be used for different results, including the use of various types of glaze, and clay. Glazing on red clay, for instance, creates a more earthy appearance, whereas white clay provides a brighter background.

To see examples of this versatile and ancient form of art simply glance around Tucson. The beauty of this art form is that the colors never fade nor do they require frequent touch-ups. Its forever. The only way it can be damaged is by dropping it. Creating tile from clay may seem a bit old- fashioned but the results are worth the wait.

Please browse my ceramic tile pieces by using the links on the left. If you would like to inquire about how to obtain a customized table, bench, or plaque, please contact us.