Photo-Form launches tiles into the third dimension

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‘How do you convey a pictorial image to someone who is blind?’ asks architect Keith Carlson. The answer: three-dimensional pictures. A few years ago, Carlson created a computer process called Photo-Cast that transforms any photograph or drawing into high-resolution bas-relief. ‘It is all about light and dark,’ he says of the project, which resulted in a series of educational tactile graphics for the blind.

Now Carlson is using his patented Photo-Cast process to create bas-relief ceramic tiles for home use.

Carlson’s 6-month-old studio, Photo-Form, manufactures the tiles from nontoxic white clay and gives them a translucent glazing. Currently, they are available in three lines: the Mod Series of geometric patterns; the Vintage Series based on wallpaper patterns; and the Green Series of nature-inspired abstract patterns.

The Circle pattern from the Mod Series, shown above in celadon, measures 6-by-6-inches and costs $7 per tile, or $28 per square foot.

Carlson also used Photo-Casting for interesting custom work, including tiles made from images of boiling water, Notre Dame Cathedral, a watch mechanism and a circuit board. Custom tiles begin at $250 to develop six sample tiles. ‘We’re open to experimenting,’ Carlson says.

For further information contact his Santa Ana studio at (888) 744-3676 or [email protected].

-- Lisa Boone

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