The Tubądzin Group has been working with artists for years, resulting in original ceramic tile designs. The TERI collection is an example. It was designed by illustrator Anna Rudak, who captured the essence of female nature on the tiles. What was it like working on the collection? We talk to the artist.
In Anna Rudak’s work one can see an understanding and empathy towards human emotions. The artist skilfully translates these subtle phenomena into prints. She boldly combines elegance and simplicity, thanks to which she captures the beauty and courage of a woman’s nature. Her line is delicate and her works captivate with lightness. This can be seen in the new TERI collection by Tubądzin Group. The fine and minimalist pattern adds harmony to the interior. The Soft Line décor is an interpretation of a feminine silhouette. Its subtle contours almost seem to float on the light, bright tile. The line is like a brushstroke, well-balanced, almost ephemeral but clearly delineated against the beige background. What at first glance appears to be a simple illustration contains a hidden meaning. Each element of the pattern is like a deliberate step by the artist, leading us deep into a world full of elegance, class and sensuality. The artist has captured that which is ephemeral and difficult to describe in words – a subtlety that at the same time conceals great power.
Kamil Białas: How did it happen that you joined the Tubądzin Meets Art project?
Anna Rudak: It is no secret that I love art. Hence, when the offer to cooperate on the TERI collection came up, which is a natural extension of the brand’s ‘Tubądzin Meets Art’ activities, I felt that it was a project which ideally suited my aesthetics and philosophy of bringing art into interiors. It was a chance to combine illustration and interior design in a new way. Working with a brand that appreciates minimalism and subtlety was an extremely inspiring experience for me.
Was this the first time you were able to work on a large format? What formats do you most often work on?
This was not my first time with large format, however the TERI project was the first time where I had the opportunity to work on such a large area of ceramic tile – 120 x 275 cm. Working on such a large scale, in addition on a tile that was a new medium for me, required a completely different approach – every detail had to be perfected to maintain harmony across the surface.
You create illustrations and design for various brands. How did the project you did for Tubądzin differ from others? Were there any challenges here?
The biggest challenge was translating the delicate, minimalist line into a durable ceramic surface. When working on graphic design projects, I have more freedom in the choice of materials or techniques. In the case of TERI, I had to take into account the specifics of the tiles – their texture, technical specifications and how the pattern would appear in the light. The challenge was to create a pattern that is subtle on the one hand and stands out on the other.
The protagonists of your illustrations are most often people. You depict silhouettes in certain situations. What do the motifs depicted in the TERI collection symbolise?
The TERI collection is a tribute to feminine nature – its subtlety but also its inner strength. The delicate contours of the silhouettes are meant to symbolise the harmony and balance that every woman carries within herself. I wanted to capture fleeting emotions that are often difficult to express in words – calmness, grace, but also courage. The lines are like a record of these emotions – delicate, yet strongly defined.
And did the texture of the tiles itself matter? How did it influence your work on this project? Did the texture determine the design?
The texture of the tiles played a key role in the design. The satin finish, which subtly reflects light, meant that I could dispense with additional colour effects. Instead, I focused on the dynamics of the lines and their dialogue with the tile surface. Each brushstroke had to be balanced to harmonise with the subtle sheen, which gives the pattern extra depth.
In the TERI collection, you opted for black lines. Why did you decide not to add more colour?
The black line is a symbol of simplicity and elegance. I wanted the pattern to be expressive, but at the same time not overwhelm the interior. The black contrasts perfectly with the beige surface of the tiles, highlighting every detail of the illustration. Giving up colour was a conscious choice – I wanted a minimalist expression that leaves room for interpretation and brings calm and harmony to the interior.
source: Tubądzin, reaction design
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