About SweetbriarSweetbriar (started in 2008 ) is an artist-owned studio located on Whidbey Island, in Washington state. The artist, Roxallanne Medley, designs and creates sculptural ceramic tile for many purposes: wall art, fireplace surrounds, kitchen backsplashes, trivets, mirrors and much more. Here are a few examples of ways to use ceramic tile in your home.
"Peter Rabbit" Wall Art (36"x40") Originally designed to use above kitchen range, the height of the stove vent didn't allow enough space for this piece. Its use now? Decorative...and it makes the artist smile...she loves Peter Rabbit.
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Unique, Sculptural Ceramic Tile Mirror
used in guest bath (Size: 16"x20") |
about sweetbriar studio on Whidbey island
bARN, STUDIO AND HOUSE is located ON THREE ACRES JUST OUTSIDE cOUPEVILLE on whidbey island |
The artist doesn't have to leave home to find inspiration and subjects for her tiles. "Sweetbriar" has many "visitors": Douglas squirrels, quail, pileated woodpeckers, great-horned owls, ravens, herons, swallows, goldfinch, flickers, violet tree swallows and barn swallows, hummingbirds, and much more...all in her backyard.
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Sweetbriar is situated in Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, a unit of the National Park Service. Described as the gateway to Puget Sound, the Historical Reserve preserves the historical, agricultural, and cultural traditions of both native and Euro-American settlers.
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View of the Salish Sea from Ft. Ebey in Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. This is a good place to see Orca whales. "Sweetbriar" is located in the Reserve.
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daily Life in the Sweetbriar Studio
JUST FOR FUN, HERE'S A PEEK AT LIFE WITH THE SWEETBRIAR MENAGERIE...
Roxallanne (the artist) is never alone in her studio. As soon as she heads for her studio, the entire menagerie follows...2 cats and Golden Retriever.
"Clara" loves to lay in the sun while the artist carves clay tiles. She hasn't a care in the
world.
"Briar Rose" can't get away from her kitty "Sam." Sam loves Briar and they spend many hours
together in the studio...much to Briar's chagrin.
"Hey mom, stop creating and play ball with me...please."
The artist loves animals of all kinds...domestic and "wild." They are the inspiration for her wall art. She strives to capture, in clay, the unique qualities of dogs, cats, bunnies,
owls, ravens, herons, chickens, quail and woodland birds, as well as the plants, trees,
and flowers of the Northwest environment where they live.