The Watermark Collection of Handcrafted Tiles Introduces Tides

A few years ago, designer Deborah Osburn, of clé, launched the Watermark Collection of handcrafted porcelain tiles that were inspired by Japanese textile dying techniques. Now, clé has introduced a new series that was designed by Deborah’s own son, Luca Osburn, called Tides. The ocean-inspired line seems like the perfect addition to the Watermark Collection, as Luca is an avid surfer. In addition to the new pattern, there are four new colors, which reflect his favorite Northern California surfing spots – the foggy grey Cronkhite and the sun kissed ocean greens of Kelly’s Cove and Jetty. There’s also Outer Sunset, which was inspired by the faded pink row houses bordering San Francisco’s Ocean Beach.

Photo by Penni Gladstone

Luca joined clé as the first “Artist in Residence” which was started as a way to introduce young adults tile making by teaching the skills it takes to design and produce their own. Luca’s Tides design came about when he was experimenting with the same indigo pigments originally used in the first launch of the Watermark Collection