For Donna — A Lockdown love Letter
A defiant feline friend showing us their rear….
Some commissions capture more than a likeness, they hold a moment in time, a shared memory and the quiet humour that gets us through. Donna is one of those pieces.
Created to remember the long pause of lockdown, when park benches became pubs, gardens became restaurants and celebrations were improvised with picnic glasses and good company; this encaustic tile began as a playful idea and became something more enduring: a portrait filled with personality, friendship and gentle rebellion.
A Portrait With Character
Rather than striving for realism alone, this tile leans into expression. Donna’s crisp lines, knowing gaze and unmistakable attitude are designed to feel alive — not frozen. The composition is graphic, confident and unmistakably contemporary, while remaining rooted in the language of traditional encaustic tile making.
It’s a reminder that portraiture doesn’t have to be formal to be meaningful.
Old Craft, Modern Story
Each Donna tile is handmade in Edinburgh using traditional encaustic techniques. Coloured clay is inlaid by hand, not printed or painted on top. This process embeds the design into the body of the tile itself, giving it permanence and depth; the same methods once used for architectural floors, now reimagined for contemporary art.
The result is a piece that feels both playful and serious in equal measure: a modern story told through an ancient craft.
Made to Live With
While Donna works beautifully as a standalone artwork; on a mantel, shelf, or gallery wall; she’s also robust enough to be installed. Fired for durability and made with sustainable materials, this is a tile designed to last, to age well and to remain part of a home rather than hidden away.
A Crafty Cat standing proud on her display easel - Included with every tile
Limited, Personal, Collectible
Produced in small batches, Donna sits somewhere between collectible art and personal keepsake. Each tile carries subtle variations that speak to my hand; no two are ever exactly the same.
For those who want something even more personal, bespoke colourways or companion pieces can be commissioned.
A Tile With a Tale
Donna is more than a portrait. It’s a nod to stolen moments, good friends and finding joy where you can. A reminder that craft doesn’t have to be solemn to be meaningful and that sometimes, the best stories come with a wink.
If you’re considering a bespoke pet portrait or a tile that captures a moment worth remembering, I’d love to help turn it into something lasting.
