Pareidolia Wood Fire Tile | FLM + SIMON LEVIN
Pareidolia (parr-i-DOH-lee-ə) is the tendency for incorrect perception of an object, pattern, or meaning known to the observer, such as seeing shapes in clouds, seeing faces in inanimate objects, nature, or abstract patterns, or hearing hidden messages in music.
Each of these incredible tiles is created in our Petaluma, CA studio and woodfired by world renowned master potter, Simon Levin in Mill Creek, Wisconsin in his Anagama kiln. During the firing process the wood ash and vapor travel throughout the kiln imparting the tile with it’s unique flashing and patterns. No two tiles are completely alike and yet as a group they blend together to create something even more beautiful than the sum of it’s parts.
The tile are fully vitrified and yield variation, they are durable, and great for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and floors with light to moderate traffic.
FROM THE ARTIST
“The woodfire process produces one of a kind seductive surfaces. Each tile is a record of the flame that moves through the kiln, depositing glaze and evoking color. I have recently developed a technique that allows me to fire a limited amount of high quality tile that brings a unique look and feel to your home. Made from specially developed porcelains and stonewares no two tiles are the same. This is my eye and expertise as an artist culminating in these captivating surfaces. A lot of love and labor have gone into this product and I am pleased to be working with FLM Ceramics to introduce you to this exciting limited line of tile.”
Q+A with Simon Levin
1. When did you begin woodfiring and what is your favorite thing about woodfired surfaces?
I first fired a wood kiln in 1990, and fell in love with the work, the way the activity translated into results. The splitting of the wood, the direct connection with kiln as tool, and how much the pots felt earned. It was not until 1993 when I realized I could capture the feeling of the flame on the work, the clay became the photographic paper, exposed to the flame and recording the passage. This has become my favorite thing about woodfiring.
2. Where is your studio? Is there anything about your location that inspires you?
My studio is in Pawnee, Illinois. It is not a place that has my heart yet. I love kayaking and fishing here, but I miss mountains and rolling hills, I miss the deep snow, and swimming holes of Wisconsin. But I am awed by the flatness of the plains, the broad stretches of views, the small variations within the sameness, and the long long plow lines of big farms.
3. I'm fascinated by the concept of pareidolia. What is it about the tile that inspired you and Forrest to name the tile line this?
The name came from Dan Anderson. It was not a word I knew. It has always been an issue though, painting with elements lights up the human brain, we look for patterns and familiarity in seas of information. Often as a way not to miscommunicate ideas I have intentionally avoided this effect. Within the tile making though this is the first time I am really embracing the effect of pareidolia. I am opening myself to it, because it brings in attention, draws people closer, and makes connections. The images we see in the flame create narratives and encourage imagination. What could be better?
4. If you could tile any location in your home with Pareidolia Tile what would you tile?
In my kiln, as I type this, I have enough tile to do the gas fireplace on my sun porch. The tile will border the fireplace vertically and cover a two-foot horizontal pad in front of the fireplace. I am thinking of organizing the tile such that all the flame marks are pointed upwards so that the fire feels like it’s leaving the confines of the stove and warming up the whole room. I am totally excited about this, and hope to have it installed in a month or so.