Embassy Commons - Indwell Mosaic Project

Public art illustrates or describes meaning within an aesthetic horizon. For example, when looking at the Embassy Commons Mosaic Murals one must surely receive great aesthetic pleasure. It is evident that these three mosaic masterpieces are concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. Indeed, the striking size, visual complexity and hypnotizing detail leave a lot to behold. The murals, two of which are on the South side of the Indwell affordable housing and commercial building, and another on the East facing side, look absolutely dazzling when viewed from far away. The mosaic pieces of ceramic and mirrored glass give a cascading effect of shimmering movement which catch and refract the daylight. However, when viewed from up close the beauty of the mosaics become more intimate and alluring. A distinct visual language becomes apparent, evoking a desire to look at each and every embedded jewel and delicately placed tile.

The murals symbolize a lifecycle in nature. One of the murals illustrate the morning dawn as a symbol of new beginnings. Another mural features a mid-day sun with a flowing river and blooming flowers, representing a thriving love-filled life. Birds and a sunset fill the third mural symbolizing peace and belonging.

Completed in September 2022, the Embassy Commons Mosaic Project fulfilled a partnership between Indwell and Clayworx. Ceramic artist Beth Turnbull Morrish was the lead artist. In addition to thematizing a lifecycle in nature, Turnbull Morrish presided over a series of murals that put into practice a community lifecycle. Each of the large colourful flower tiles were created by a different community group. Moreover, countless volunteer participants helped to roll out the clay, cut out the shapes and decorate the tiles with stamping and painting. Such help was undoubtedly appreciated as there were over 12,000 tiles required for the murals.

This underscores a participatory aesthetic, the underlying and guiding principles, that are so prevalent in the artwork which make it distinctive and local. As Turnbull Morrish says, “participants were encouraged to tell their stories and use words and images that would inspire the residents of Embassy Commons.” For Turnball Morrish, mosaic is an excellent medium for public art and for telling the story of a community because it visually demonstrates how all the unique parts come together to form a beautiful, multifaceted entity.

Image sourced from the Tourism London website: https://www.londontourism.ca/murals