Saxe-Patterson Ceramic Tile and Tilings


Penrose Parallelograms
A tiling system invented in 1974 by English physicist, Sir Roger Penrose. Penrose was asking how can a tiling not repeat? How can shapes completely fill up an infinite space, but never have a repeating pattern? Penrose went on to ask, "What is the smallest number of shapes that could create an non-repeating infinite tiling?" Asking that question is remarkable. Answering it is astounding. Discovering that the answer is only two is both shocking and delightful.
Penrose for Gibson
Tile area 9' x 8' Each tile module is 3" on a side Colors: Rose, Lapis, Burgundy, Bermuda Green

Penrose Tiling for Phil Straus

"Thank you for helping me turn a Penrose-tiling dream into a Penrose-tiling reality. This bathroom has become a prime spot for creative thinking. Taking a shower, and letting my eyes wander around the room -- what a great way to get the creative juices going!" Phil Straus
Each tile module is 3" on a side Colors: White, Beige, Desert Rose, Shell Pink, Dusty Lilac

Penrose 5-Fold Quasicrystal Tiling Tile area is 4' x 4' Each tile module is is 1.5" on a side Colors: Pink, Amethyst, Lapis, Bermuda Green
Complete tilings are assembled in our shop with a surface mounted adhesive paper. The tile array is then broken down into modules that are shipped to you along with a master template for reassembly at the jobsite.

Ladder/Shadow/Light
A Penrose tile mosaic created for the 2-story atrium of the Library/Adult Education Building, University of New Mexico, Los Alamos Campus. The tiling, which is applied to several surfaces of the cast concrete building, evokes sunlight spilling into the space and washing down the walls, illuminating the area as if the first rays of dawn were penetrating through the skylight. A dark lattice of tiles occurring within the pattern indicates a symbolic "ladder" set against the sky blue tile shot through with the dawn colors of yellows and roses. The ladder represents advancement and inspiration that are fostered within an educational environment. For centuries, the Native American kiva has been the site of the passing of knowledge on the Pajarito Plateau (the location of this building) and in the nearby Rio Grande Valley. Kivas are entered using ladders through an opening in the roof.

The ladder is also a symbol of the American/European library and used as an "information retrieval device". The intricacy of this Penrose tiling offers the potential for the viewer to recognize new elements and systems of organization each time it is studied. There is a continuing opportunity for users of the building to learn and develop a relationship with the artwork as they discover its complexities. Commissioned by the Art in Public Places Program of New Mexico Arts.

Patterns by Dr. Alan Schoen
Seven Suns

7-Fold Symmetry Tile area shown 30" diameter Each tile module 1.5" on a side Colors: Teal, Amethyst, Jade, Vanilla, Malachite

Bridal Veil

Tile Medallion 14-Fold Symmetry Custom Colors

14 Rays of Light 14-Fold Symmetry Each tile module 3" on a side Colors: Antique White and Custom Colors


Our glazes are complex and dynamic. Their texture, depth and translucence reveals the nature of our raw materials.

My Center 7-Fold Symmetry Each tile module is 6" on a side Custom Matte Colors

Baby's Blocks
Baby's Blocks can be used to cover a large area or as a decorative border. Color emphasis can create dramatic changes in the appearance of the pattern.
Baby's Block Tiling Each module is 2" on a side Colors: Amethyst, Teal, Malachite, Bermuda Green

Baby's Block Kitchen Splash with square tile countertop
Each Baby's Block module is 2" on a side Baby's Block Colors: Glass Green, Lapis, Beige Counter Top Color: Glass Green

Classics
Basketweave Parquet
"Each morning, when I walk out of my bedroom and into the hall, my spirits get a lift from the vibrant brightness of the floor design. It is a pleasure to live with." David S.
Each tile is 2" x 8" Custom Matte Colors

Tile Rugs