by hand,

A deep respect for finely crafted, artisan products drives Justyn Livingston, artist and owner of Metolius Ridge Artisan Tile. Since 1995 Livingston has created custom, hand-painted tile to order at her studio in Bend, using a modified age-old technique called ‘Cuerda Seca.” Livingston hand-mixes her glazes and hand-paints each design.

“I’ve always wanted to create a timeless art for people with my hands — art wholly made in the United States, with traditional techniques in the vein of the arts and crafts movement and the Bloomsbury era,” said Livingston.

Livingston, who is also a painter and printmaker, appreciates the fact that the Bloomsbury artists rejected the traditional distinction between decorative and fine art. In fact, her clients tend to be those who love to surround themselves with unique art.

“Her style is particularly appealing to people who have an appreciation for things that are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted and unique,” said Martha Murray, owner of Martha Murray Design. Murray has worked with Livingston on several custom projects for her clients.

Known for creating custom backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and large wall and floor installations — Livingston created the magnificent tiles featured in the Soaking Pool at McMenamin’s Old St. Francis School — her work serves as a focal point in addition to bringing warmth and timeless style to a space.

“Her work becomes a feature in the home, and a talking point — including the fact that she is a local artist,” said Murray. “Justyn is a great example of one of the tremendous hidden talents we have right here in Central Oregon.”

Ed Busch, owner of PGC Building + Design, has also worked with Livingston on custom tile projects and he speaks highly of the quality of her work as well as her amazing attention to detail.

“Justyn is going to come in to the space and see what is happening to get her mind going and see what she can create that will further the client’s vision,” said Busch. “She will create a unique work of art that no one else has and that perfectly captures the colors in the space.”

Busch notes that clients with discerning tastes, an appreciation of art and a willingness to do things outside the norm — and who have the budget to back that up — are likely to be drawn to Livingston’s work and make the investment in custom artisan tile.

“Installing tile in a home or business is a commitment, and my intention is to design appealing patterns that will aesthetically pass the test of time,” said Livingston. “I hope that in 50-plus years my clients are still enriched by their installations.”

She began her artistic career as a textile designer, working for a number of clothing and product-design companies, including Pottery Barn and Esprit de Corp. Livingston went on to work as a product designer overseas, which continues to inform her designs today. Describing her design aesthetic as “modern rustic,” Livingston is influenced by global ethnic patterns and textiles.

“Since I have been designing tile for over 25 years, I have developed a personal language in symbols, based on international and historic designs,” said Livingston. “In this way I rework older designs in new ways.”

Livingston is dedicated to environmental sustainability, running her energy-saving, thick-walled kilns with green power, driving a biodiesel company car and doing her best to minimize waste whenever possible. She’s also committed to using and creating products that are 100 percent made in the United States.

“The bisque (base tile) I use is produced from 50 percent recycled material,” said Livingston. “Our glazes are locally sourced. Our tile is made 100 percent in the USA. Making things by hand — with heart — is important to me.”

For more information visit www.metoliusridgetile.com or email info@metoliusridgetile.com.