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Gem by Kelly Wearstler for ANN SACKS®

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 1, 2017) – The ANN SACKS collaboration with internationally renowned interior and product designer, Kelly Wearstler, continues with Gem by Kelly Wearstler for ANN SACKS – three handcrafted designs that reflect the earthy beauty of encaustic tiles with the sophisticated nuance of simple, repeated patterns. The artful repose of the Gem designs – Elope (shown), Swell and Evoke – captures the unexpected patterning and nonconformity found in nature and a soothing neutral palette of layered color and contrasting geometric relief.

Her fourth collection for ANN SACKS, Wearstler named her latest series Gem to express the ornamental, visual presence and time-honored, age old techniques required to create encaustic tiles. The choice to bring an encaustic collection into the ANN SACKS fold was never far from Wearstler’s mind from the very beginning of this partnership. “I admire the beauty of encaustic tile-making, its textural layers of clay and organic variations of color and pattern,” said Wearstler. “I have collected these tiles over the years and been inspired by their individuality and explore the historic technique and reinterpret it in an altogether modern way.”

The making of encaustic tiles is a time-honored, centuries’ old technique that combine a mixture of cement, sand, ground marble and pigments, then fired to seal the design. The pattern is not produced by the glaze but instead by combining two or more colors of the clay achieving an appearance of being an inlaid design, with a surface softly worn and timeless in appeal.

Elope features a layered solid color face broken by a series of curved lines that rake across the backdrop. “Elope is organic and fluid, classic with a modern mood,” explained Wearstler. “It celebrates the soulful anomalies of organic form.” The design is available in three colors: Ebony, a stark Black field with White rake; Azure, a deep Navy field with White rake; and, Oatmeal, a warm Taupe field with White rake.

The second tile is Swell, a seemingly simple striae design at first but actually quite complex in execution as each gently curved line varies in placement and thickness for a visually expressive tile. “Swell is a painterly stripe of radiating, evolving curvatures, its face defined in soft lineage with a relaxed playful geometry,” explained Wearstler. A two-shade color palette of Ebony, a stark Black field with White stripes; Azure, a deep Navy field with White stripes; and, Ivory, a creamy White field with Black stripes.

Rounding out Gem is Evoke, a remarkable pattern that mimics the swirl and shifting face of marble. “True touch of the hand detail with heavy brushstrokes defines Evoke,” said Wearstler. “It is a bold statement, full of movement and dual-tone line-work reminiscent of linocut prints. Evoke’s color palette is Ebony, a deep Black field with White marbling; Azure, a deep Navy field with White marbling; and, Ivory, a creamy White field with Black marbling.

Gem by Kelly Wearstler for ANN SACKS is available in 8”x8” tiles and appropriate for all indoor wall and flooring applications. Outdoor use is subject to climate and method of installation with special emphasis that in exterior applications the tiles may experience some fading over time due to UV exposure, especially in the darker color combinations.
The precision sizing allows for exceptionally tight grout lines for an almost seamless end result. The tiles capture and retain heat naturally, the gentle warmth making it an excellent choice for radiant heat flooring. 

About Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler’s eponymous global luxury lifestyle brand is renowned for its distinctive designs and sophisticated soulful vibe pioneered by the celebrated interior designer. The brand’s breadth of influence spans from residential and commercial interior design to curated collections of furniture, lighting, rugs, fabrics, wall coverings, tiles, luxe bedding, fine china, decorative home accessories, jewelry and objets d'art. With a signature style that juxtaposes raw with refined, melds color, sophistication and spirited spontaneity, and seamlessly blends diverse periods of furniture under one roof, Wearstler has revolutionized the look, feel and meaning of modern American design. Named to Architectural Digest’s preeminent Top 100 Architecture & Interior Design list, Wearstler’s work and profiles are frequently featured in top design, travel, fashion, lifestyle and business publications worldwide. Wearstler’s collections are sold at the Kelly Wearstler flagship store in Los Angeles, Bergdorf Goodman in New York and internationally at fine boutiques, premier department stores and Wearstler’s robust online

boutique kellywearstler.com. Visit the world of Kelly on Instagram @kellywearstler.

About ANN SACKS

Founded in 1981, ANN SACKS has built its reputation with inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories. Based in Portland, Ore., the company, along with sister brands, KALLISTA plumbing and Robern mirrored cabinetry and vanities, is a division of the Kohler Co. Decorative Products Group, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.

For additional information regarding Gem by Kelly Wearstler for ANN SACKS or other ANN SACKS products, consumers can call toll-free 1-800-278-TILE or visit the ANN SACKS website at www.annsacks.com.