This mural was commissioned by building owner Leslie Santapaul. Created by artist Steven Paul and assisted by Gretchen Coleman, this mosaic mural features the concept of abstract forms. The mural is made of broken ceramic tiles and upon closer look, one can see how each tile has its own uniqueness in design and color. Steven Paul’s artistic approach is focused solely on process rather than a preconceived idea beforehand. As Paul stated, “I like to think I understand some small part of quantum mechanics. I was many years ago into the idea of the multiverse. When you start to put a tile on, you worry, ‘Should it go here or should it go there.’ And I quickly came to realize, don’t worry just put it on, and in a different universe you put it somewhere else […].”

About the artist:
Steven Paul is a local artist who’s known for his mosaics. He studied under the instruction of Isaiah Zagar while living in Philadelphia, PA and when he moved to Roanoke, he made a mosaic on his garage wall and loved it. From this, he has made several wall mosaics throughout Roanoke. Steven Paul makes abstract mosaics only and doesn’t have a specific audience but rather leaves his work for anyone to enjoy. View more of his work at his website Multiverse Mosaics " or Instagram multiversemosaics

Gretchen Coleman is an architectural engineer who lives in Roanoke. She enjoys creating art and is aspiring to do kinetic art and large-scale junk art. As she stated, “throughout my career, I’ve indulged my creative side through what I call ‘crafts,’ but my friends call art.” She has also helped assist with other mosaics such as the ROA SE mural, along with Steven Paul, and her “I AM, WE ARE, ROANOKE” has also been featured in the Roanoke art collection which can be viewed here: Artwork Archive: "I AM, WE ARE, ROANOKE"

Sourced from:
The Roanoke Times: 'Fish/bird scenario' taking shape on Kirk Avenue Wall
Information was also obtained from details given by Steven Paul.