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Art Tile and Knitting of Naomi Brave

I have been a ceramic artist since 1980, and knitter since I was a kid. I graduated from Hampshire College in 1984 with a BA in ceramics, and went on to open Brave Clay Tileworks in 1987. At Brave Clay I designed and manufactured a wide range of tiles in my Somerville, MA studio, and to over 30 showrooms nationwide.

Many of my tile designs arise from pattern and texture in other crafts such as weaving, papermaking, ironwork and masonry, as well as from nature. Designers such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Charles & Ray Eames, and fine artists such as Klimt, Calder, Bonnard as well as artists from ancient civilizations contribute to my inspiration.

In 2002, I closed Brave Clay Tileworks, but continue to make my artwork in my home studio in Malden, MA. I have been focusing on one of a kind mosaics, and non-functional tile wall murals. This has been a period of great exploration and freedom, without the considerations of making a living that can influence an artist’s work. The wall murals tend to be more sculptural and are free standing, unlike my other tile pieces. I have also been throwing pots of late, and making other utilitarians things for the kitchen.

I have recently become addicted to knitting, and find I'm spending more and more time with the yarn and needles and less with the clay.

In 2006 I co-founded Malden Arts, a grassroots organization serving as an umbrella for diverse arts-related initiatives in Malden, MA. We hold quarterly community arts salons and run our annual Window Arts Malden exhibit each September.