Terrazzo Tapestry: Tiffany Black’s Artistic Journey

The paint-by-number style composition with 50 epoxy colors and 50 different aggregate mixes, complete with layers of depth and shadows, immerses travelers in a vibrant Arkansas landscape. The poured-in-place terrazzo in the airport’s pre-security lobby integrates 14,950 lineal feet of waterjet-cut aluminum divider strips to create 16 native insects, 12 plants, and a pair of mockingbirds. Design elements range from spots as small as a dime on butterflies to five square feet. Ms. Black consulted with environmental experts who directed her to the most recognizable plants and wildlife to best represent the region.

The project was a learning experience for Ms. Black, whose proposed design was selected from among those of 80 artists. She described the project as a departure from her usual process, where she had complete control over her art and the finished product.

Reporting that this project was the most upfront design work she’d ever done, she adapted to a collaborative process where communication was vital and then trusted in the expertise of her collaborators. Interior designer April Meyer, principal at Alliiance, played a crucial role, providing the artist with a“crash course in terrazzo 101” on the many variables in aggregate mixes, colors, and techniques for working with terrazzo.

To help translate the artist’s vision to the floor, Missouri Terrazzo produced and shipped about 80 samples to the artist to refine the colors, aggregate sizes, and mixes. “They never limited me or pushed back,” Ms. Black recounted. “It unleashed my creativity and let me go for it.”