Zech Studio

I haven’t been posting on FB as often since my studio move a few months ago. But I’m set up and back in business! 🔥💪 Here’s a rough layout of a project I’ve got in the works. These terra cotta tiles are for a fireplace in a 1920s American-Craftsman Foursquare home, with a dash of Prairie influence. The home was built towards the end of the “Arts and Crafts Movement” which was a major period in art and design in the late 1800s-early 1900s. It was born in defiance to industrialization and machine made mass production. During that time, artists and designers were embracing human-made furniture, tile, architecture, and textiles and often used natural motifs like plants and animals. Their work showed characteristics that valued hand craftsmanship over machine-made goods that had been mass produced in the Victorian era.

I like using this terra cotta clay for handmade tiles to accentuate the handmade aesthetic. The field tile is extruded in strips of clay then cut to size, with imperfections that simulate natural brick surfaces. These will be fired and glazed in the coming weeks.

Another great pic of my awesome friends over at Joys House (with tile mural in the background that I created with their guests back in 2009).
Did you know they provide caregiver support in addition to caring for adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other disabilities? Give them a “Like” and if you’re in Indy and need help with a loved one give them a call!

Four staff members, one very important question: If you’re caring for someone, who’s caring for you?

We promise we did not plan the matching shirts.

John Michael Kohler Arts Center 😎🚽

I LOVE seeing pics with my work in the background!!!😍 posted by my friends at Joy's House 🥰 (Second pic- "Peaceful Indiana Plains" tile mural was created and installed at JH around 2009)

Studio update…Progress is slower than I hoped, but getting closer! Thought I’d be back in production by now. The kiln electrical was installed at the end of May, the Vent-a-Kiln™ hood is finally in place, and now just waiting for the roofer to cut a hole in the roof so it can vent properly (chose not to DIY that part).
Like many working artists, I rely on multiple income streams to keep my studio going. Between teaching and nonprofit grant writing and juggling some other things, setting up the studio is slow going. First moving our home (into a 1962 house that has lots of projects itself), then moving my studio has been a year-and-a-half long process! 🫣🐌
I’m looking forward to getting back to my tile work, I have some interesting projects in the works : table tiles, custom fireplace, historic restoration project, and more!

Thank you to my clients for your patience and support during this transition! And big thanks to my husband and friends for helping set all this stuff back up.
As an old carpenter friend says, “It takes as long as it takes.” 🫠😂

Hello everyone! 👋
I’m slowly unpacking and setting up my studio, and wrapping up summer teaching in the coming weeks….soon will be shifting gears from teaching back to custom studio tile work (I wear many hats!) The studio set up is coming along nicely and I’m really enjoying a quieter space surrounded by nature!
I came across these historic tile replicas I made a couple years ago for a fireplace restoration project. I’m excited to share that I’ll be doing tile demonstrations at the APT conference this fall, where experts in historic preservation unite from all over the world!
Check out their website for more info about what they do:
https://www.apti.org/
I have a few projects in queue waiting for me to get moved and set up. It’s looking like I’m now booked through the end of this year! I am available to discuss new inquiries but they will be scheduled for 2027.

“Slightly Irregular” series ♻️
These upcycled tables made with handmade tile remnants are experiments for some new ideas I am working on to reuse extra tiles leftover from previous projects.
These 3 tables are still available! Prices reduced.

Green with gold tile table $175
Upcycled IKEA coffee table with handmade tiles and a frame added

Pink circle table $100
Upcycled vintage side table with designer tiles from Heralgi, Spain and handmade tile border

Blue wave with mosaics table $150
Upcycled vintage MCM low profile coffee table with handmade tiles

Pick up at my studio at 2060 E. 54th St. Indianapolis before Sunday, or delivery in midtown available with prepay. Message me for more details or to arrange a purchase and pick up or delivery!
I accept Venmo, PayPal, or Cash

📣My kiln is officially disconnected from the old studio…and will be up and running again soon in my new space!

Just to clarify: I’m not closing my studio or retiring or selling my equipment. I’m relocating. Someone wished me luck on retiring, which gave me a good laugh. 😂🤷‍♀️
I’m streamlining my setup into a smaller studio space at home where I can continue the same level of production, with far less overhead costs and a more sustainable plan moving forward.

I’m booked through fall with custom tile work, including an upcoming historic tile restoration project currently in development. I’ll also be teaching my usual summer workshop at the Children’s Museum. So I may be off the radar for a while, as I’m focused on getting the new studio up and running again! I’m still available for custom tile and art consultations, but may be slower to respond in the coming weeks.

I’ll post updates as the new space comes together. Thanks to everyone who supported my work over the years!
Cheers to many more years of creating! 🥂

Pop up studio sale
Friday May 22nd
2pm-5pm
2060 E. 54th #10
Odds and ends from different eras of my ceramic studio practice. Seconds, older work, prototypes. My pottery inventory is baren but there are a few items left, plus handmade tile pendant necklaces and some holiday ornaments. Also some old weird wall pieces still available! Heck some of these pieces are over 20 years old so they’re “Vintage”!!! 🙌👵🏻😜😅
I’m trying to finish up 2 more upcycled tables with tile remnants (first picture).
Who knows what else I might dig out….
Stop by and see what’s left! Make an offer I can’t refuse. Get you some original local ceramic art or sketches. Help lighten my load for my move. I’m tired of packing. 😵‍💫
FRIDAY FRIDAY FRIDAY!!!!
2pm-5pm
(or by appointment)

P.S.
I accept Venmo, PayPal, or cash
🚫💳 I am not accepting credit cards at this time. Sorry for the inconvenience.