Germantown: Art Lives Here

Karen Singer, artist and owner of Karen Singer Tileworks, sketched the layout for an upcoming project.
Karen Singer, artist and owner of Karen Singer Tileworks, sketched the layout for an upcoming project.

Karen Singer still goes back to her old sketchbook from high school to find threads of ideas that she uses in her creations today.

As the owner of Karen Singer Tileworks for 21 years, Singer is inspired by life itself.

“I love cities. I love different places and the way people remember places that are important to them,” Singer said.

Singer and her staff have created works of art out of ceramic tile inside their studio which is located at 90 E. Church Lane. Their art projects range from creating plaques and awards to large scale murals that can be seen both inside and outside of homes and businesses.

Due to the recent recession, business for Singer has not always been plenty.

“It’s not like I’m making a fortune,” Singer said. “It’s endlessly challenging. No two days are the same. It’s no easy way to make a living but no one ever told me it would be easy.”

Because business can be slow at times Singer decided to explore different venues. She holds a workshop on Monday evenings that teaches the art of creating tileworks.

Lisa Longo has worked as Singer’s general manager for 17 years. While working at the studio, she has been able to see the calming effects handling clay can have on people.

This tile work was created as part of an outdoor garden piece.

“People get so lost when their touching clay. It’s an amazing phenomenon,” Longo said. “Nobody’s anxious. You can see all their worries go away.”

Singer and her staff put in countless hours of hard work to ensure that they have created exactly what their clients ordered. However, the company hopes to explore even bigger business opportunities in the future.

“It’s not always about the money. We work with the clients until its perfect. We love what we do,” Longo said. “It’s really rewarding.”

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