Meet the Artist: Interlock Series Tile Designer Gaby Hernandez
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Meet the Artist by Lauren Jones.
At Clay Imports, we’re all about introducing trendy, exciting tile designs that our customers will love. One of our latest, the Interlock Series, is a lovely nod to the geometry that can be found in everyday life. It will also take any home project from basic to bold. In-house designer Gaby Hernandez, who has been working with us since August 2015, is here to share the details behind the collection.
What is your background and how did you get involved with tile design?
GH: I grew up in Alamo Heights, Texas, a small culture-rich town surrounded by San Antonio. I also have Spanish heritage and went to Spain over the summers, where I was first introduced to tile design. I later graduated from the University of Alabama, where I studied Spanish and Geology, and was further inspired by the beauty of nature. Thus, the Interlock Series was inspired by my hometown, the colors and textures of my travels and my collegiate studies.
What were some of your inspirations for the Interlock Series?
GH: The Interlock Series was inspired by patterns we see everyday. For example, the closure of a zipper in the Zipper pattern, the softness of curves in the Casper pattern and the interlocking angles in the I pattern. Textures come alive after installation and the grout really makes each stand out. It can be delicate with a coordinating grout or bold.
Where did the color palette stem from?
GH: I wanted to keep a clean, white palette in mind. Furthermore, I wanted the tiles to be able to be used in any scenario, like on a bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash or even in a small space. Customers can customize tile colors to make their space one-of-a-kind.
What gave you the idea for the I-Tile?
GH: The I-Tile started with doodling. I drew line after line and they hooked into one another and acted as an anchor for the next piece. I also looked at some of my favorite textiles and thought of how they could be made into tile. Size was key to making the pieces lock together.
Where do you see customers using the I tile in their homes? Where would you suggest using it?
GH: Backsplashes and vertical surfaces are ideal for this product. It's an eye-catcher! The most simple and clean kitchen can have this beauty installed, and when the light hits just right it makes the whole space pop.
What is the next tile design you plan to work on?
GH: I recently finished the designs for the Catalina Series, inspired by my grandmother who passed in 2018. The bright white with clean lines is simple, while the terracotta clay shining through has the rustic and natural elements, with tradition in how the tile is made. It was truly a series made by incorporating all of my past.