Artist Laura Ruprecht, of Laura Liz Mosaic Biz, has given an outdoor staircase a new look using donated ceramic tiles.
The staircase at the rear of the St. Cloud City Hall in Minnesota was in dire need of an uplift. The stairs, which lead to the backyard of the hall, were covered in peeling brown paint, giving the area a dilapidated and unloved appearance.
Ruprecht has since designed an abstract tessellation to cover the outer walls of the staircase. More accustomed to working with stained glass, she faced challenges working with ceramics, initially finding the cutting process difficult. Nevertheless, she created an arresting and detailed display containing elements of yellow flowers on a blue background and large red circles, contrasted with muted, neutral elements in tints of pale blue, grey and beige.
What at first glance can seem to be a random collation of motifs and colours, on closer inspection, emerges as a carefully planned and balanced symphony of colours and figures, with smaller and larger motifs harmonising in a distinct and well-planned colour scheme.
The tiled area is estimated to be about 150 metres square. Work began in January, and the mural was completed at the end of July. Local government funding for the project was matched with $50,000 donated by the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Minnesota project is yet another example of how ceramic tile murals can give a fresh and vibrant look to public spaces. At Digital Ceramics Custom Tiles, we produce weather-resistant custom tiles ideal for outdoor public spaces. Contact us soon, and we can discuss how our printed tiles could become a key element of your latest design project.
Talk to us today and find out how we can transform a project of any scale into an exciting visual experience.
