AZULEJO = POLISHED STONE

One thing you can say for sure, is that the Portuguese know tile — it is everywhere there! On a recent trip to Portugal, I was fascinated with the use of tile, not only in churches and ornate palaces, but also in ordinary houses, park seats, fountains, shops and even in metro stations. Tiles are not only used as decorations, but also as functional parts of the buildings themselves.

I learned the word for tiles is “azulejos.” Although many would assume the word is a derivation of azul (Portuguese for “blue”), the name actually comes from the Arabic word az-zulayj, roughly translated as “polished stone.”

While in Lisbon, I visited the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (Lisbon’s Tile Museum). There I was able to see the development of tiles in Portugal from their beginnings to the present. The museum has five centuries (yes I said five!) of decorative ceramic tiles, which trace the history and production of the art form. There is also a conservation and restoration department, which can be viewed as you stroll through the museum.

I found all of the tile I saw unique and lovely in its own way — whether portraying dramatic, historic scenes or simply serving as ornamental street signs, nameplates or house numbers. Of course, one of my most treasured mementos I brought back from my trip was a decorative tile!

QUILTS AND COLOR

Last May I attended the HOW Design Live Conference in Boston. Since I had a late afternoon flight on my final day there, I decided to go to the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts Boston) to see the “Quilts and Color” exhibit from the Pilgrim/Roy Quilt Collection.

The “Quilts and Color” exhibition featured close to 60 quilts with vibrant color palettes and attention-grabbing patterns. These works of art were made by women during the 19th and early 20th century, in different areas across America, but mostly from Amish and Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania. They were collected by artists Paul Pilgrim and Gerald Roy over a period of five decades.

The collection showcased both traditional designs and creations from artists who worked outside of standard quilt patterns. It was a visual treat to see the exploration of color theory in the designs of the quilts. I was amazed with the bold, saturated colors used and the innovative effects created within established quilt patterns. I’ve always liked quilts, but this exhibit gave me a new perspective and appreciation for these beautiful and intricate handcrafted pieces of art.