Please introduce yourself.
Hello, I’m Livia Kerr—a multimedia artist drawn to the natural world and its quiet power. I create earth-inspired slate and stone mosaics, often using materials I collect during walks along the California coast and in nearby forests. My practice also includes abstract landscape paintings in oil and acrylic, where I explore mood, memory, and movement through color and texture. Whether through mosaic or paint, my work is rooted in a deep connection to nature and a desire to transform organic elements into timeless visual stories.
Tell us about your favorite art medium.
At the moment, my favorite medium is creating slate and stone mosaics. These aren’t your typical mosaics, they’re deeply rooted in nature and storytelling. I gather the stones myself during walks along the California coast and through its forests, allowing each piece to carry a sense of place and personal connection. I also love incorporating upcycled materials—shards of pottery, bits of metal, glass, and more specialized elements like smalti, a rich, opaque glass used in traditional mosaics, and filati, hand-pulled glass rods. These materials bring texture, history, and unexpected beauty to the work, transforming what’s often discarded into something meaningful and enduring.
Who/what is/are your biggest artistic influences?
Some of my earliest artistic influences were a family of artists from the Bay Area who encouraged me to try something new, to try art even though I’ve never studied it—they showed me that making art was not only possible, but so much fun and therapeutic. Their belief in me opened the door for my painting practice, which remains rooted in emotion and abstract expression.
For mosaics, my biggest influence was my Dad. He was a kind, patient man who loved working with his hands, and I wouldn’t have started mosaics without his quiet example. Beyond that, nature and the raw materials I work with are constant sources of inspiration. The textures, colors, and rhythms of the California coast and forests continue to shape my work. I’m drawn to artists who blur boundaries—abstract impressionists for their emotional depth, and mosaic artists who merge ancient techniques with contemporary vision. Ultimately, it’s the land itself, with all its subtle details and hidden stories, that most shapes my creative vision.
What motivates you to create?
I’m driven by curiosity—the endless possibilities that emerge when I begin a mosaic or a painting. There’s something deeply exciting about not knowing exactly where a piece will end up, especially when working with found or reclaimed materials. Each element offers its own surprise. Creating art is also a profoundly therapeutic process for me. The solitude it requires allows me to connect inward, to slow down and be fully present. It’s in those quiet moments that ideas flow freely and making them becomes both a form of meditation and discovery.
When is your favorite time of day to create?
Anytime is a good time to create. But my favorite time to create is in the early morning, when the world is still quiet and the light is soft. There’s a calm clarity in those hours that helps me focus and tune into the work without distraction. I find that my ideas are freshest then, and there’s a sense of openness—like the day hasn’t fully formed yet, and anything is possible. It’s the perfect time to get lost in the process.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
Absolutely. Art grounds me—it helps me process thoughts and emotions that are hard to put into words. The act of creating teaches me patience, how to embrace imperfection, and how to stay present, which carries over into how I approach everyday life. It gives me a sense of purpose and clarity, especially during challenging times. Whether I’m problem-solving in the studio or navigating life outside of it, the mindset art cultivates—curiosity, resilience, and openness—continues to guide me.
