Ashpa Naira Logo

 

My name is Maria Carolina Sanchez de Bustamante, co-founder and owner of ASHPA NAIRA Tiles.

With a degree in Design and many years of experience in Textile and Ceramic Art in South America, I became interested in handmade tile and architectural ceramics, after arriving in Canada in 1989 and having the opportunity to learn more about the Arts and Crafts Movement in America and Europe.

Indeed the name ASHPA NAIRA is taken from the indigenous quechua language of the Incas and means "fired earth", which is exactly the process that transforms raw clay into ceramics.

Located in Vernon, BC, ASHPA NAIRA has been working with architects and designers to create one of the kind tile installations since 1995.

 

With the combination of all these artistic elements and the dedicated support of my husband, Robert Sterry, who complements my design skills with his practical knowledge of hydraulic die and mold-making, which he first studied in Scotland, I began to create the tile designs that you see on this web site.

Each tile is handcrafted and hand glazed to client's specifications, from our large selection of glazes. Our handmade Architectural Ceramics are custom design and manufactured specifically for your project.