Artist Statement

Most of my mosaics are site specific, permanent installations, as much a part of the architecture or landscape as an embellishment. I create art that is often functional and always respectful of its environment. I trained in fine arts at Mills College in Oakland, California, earning a Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture. I began my site specific mosaic work in the San Francisco Bay Area. My Bay Area client list includes: the University of California at Berkeley, the Bank of America, the city of Dublin, California.

I have always loved and been influenced by primitive architecture and vernacular art. I love the mud houses built by the women of West Africa. The houses are sculptural in shape and painted with rich designs and colors. They are utilitarian but add beauty to daily life. Their tools are primitive - most of the work is done with their hands.

In addition to ceramic and glass tiles, I like to use natural stone, river rocks, found objects. I am interested in materials - how they are combined and what they can express about a site. I use them more to evoke a feeling or memory than to paint a picture. I love to create textures that are both visual and an invitation to touch.

Since moving to San Antonio, Texas, I have completed several public art projects for the cities of Austin and San Antonio. My work has been published in books and periodicals in the United States and in Europe. Publications include: The Art of Mosaic Design by JoAnn Loctov and Leslie Plummer Clagett, West Coast Wave by Dirk Sutro, Inside Architecture by Susan Zevon, Sunset Magazine, Metropolitan Home Magazine, and Brava Casa. Several projects have received architectural awards.

Twyla Arthur