Family tiles

Father-daughter team bond over passion for mosaics

Susan Blosten, Special to the Rocky

Saturday, September 1, 2007

The water bill doubled this summer, and despite all your efforts, brown spots still mar the lawn.

The solution?

Forget green and aim for color, says Abbas Khajeaian.

If Khajeaian had his way, he would replace much of Denver's grass with mosaic tile, and he'll do most of the work himself. He and his daughter, Roya, own Kashi Kari Gallery, which specializes in tile work.

"Grass is a luxury that requires precious water; I changed from grass to mosaic. When I designed my first patio, I was hooked," he says.

His home reflects the talents of the father-daughter team. The backyard of the Tudor-style 1938 home Khajeaian shares with his wife, Karen, is a "green" wonderland."

"I think Denver is perfect for colorful, high-altitude courtyards. Denver's dwellings can add color without grass and trees by using tiles and ornamental items. Reduced grass means less water usage."

The Khajeaians' outdoor living space is filled with bright mosaics set in concrete. A pebble-like mosaic forms a "stream" that meanders through the patio. Giant mosaic-sheathed planters and pots filled with flowers are sprinkled around the space.

A fence draped with vines surrounds the backyard. The walls of foliage provide a soft counterpoint to the hard tile.

Inside, a mosaic-covered dining-room table and several other art pieces fill the 1,300-square-foot home. Colorful walls are punctuated by bright artwork and photography, and tribal rugs are scattered across hardwood floors.

The artwork in the home offers clues to Khajeaian's background. The 65-year-old artist was born in Iran and moved to the United States in the early 1960s. He worked his way through graduate school and taught business and education in Denver for several years.

That career stalled when he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage a decade ago. He lost the use of his dominant hand and spent years learning to speak and walk.

Though he never regained use of his right hand, he was inspired to become an artist after a trip to Barcelona, Spain, a year after his stroke. The work of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi resonated for Khajeaian.

"Gaudi gave me courage," says Khajeaian, who began to create his own mosaic tile designs, often incorporating elements of an Islamic mysticism known as Sufism.

"I bought an American-made cement mixer so that I could mix cement by hand. It broke after 15 minutes," Khajeaian says with a laugh. "I then bought the Italian cement mixer that I still use. It works perfectly for my left hand."

He opened Kashi Kari Gallery, which translates to "tile work," two years ago with his daughter. In his studio, Khajeaian uses a tile saw and places tile with his left hand.

He and his daughter design, create and display tables, fireplace surrounds, vanities and framed mirrors in their shop.

Father and daughter love to play with color.

"Our customers tend to be people who feel comfortable with color as well as self-expression," says Roya, 41. "They are traveled, educated, sophisticated and not afraid to live."

Study a mural that father and daughter have collaborated on and you might be surprised at what you spot. Roya likes to throw jewelry and metal findings into the mix.

"We never say 'no' to friends who donate items they think we can use," Khajeaian says. "One of our friends contributed an antique Japanese plate - it is now part of a mural."

Khajeaian often returns to Spain for inspiration.

"I feel lucky to be able to create art every day," he says. "I am living the best part of my life now."

If you go:

• Kashi Kari Gallery: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 910 Santa Fe Drive.

Information: 303-825-9000, kashikari.com