Mervin's Mosaic Magic

Mervin Edgar does not design and install tile floors, showers and counters he creates mosaic tile art surfaces that assault your eyes and brain with color, spacial conceptualism and reflections of the outdoor Caribbean world inside the suites of Ladera. His mark is everywhere. The infinity pool, the bar, the restaurant, the water closets, the walks, the splash pools, bathrooms and all the tile surfaces of the resort. His volume of work at Ladera is staggering. The resort has been his canvas for 18 years.

While in his teens Mervin learned his trade from John DiPaul the design/builder/owner father of Ladera who guided the hand of his island sons apprenticing them in the building trades. Many of these craftsmen started businesses of their own and return to Ladera for various building projects while others have stayed on working at he resort.

It is obvious to the casual observer that the creator of Ladera had the heart of an artist. As I have said before art is everywhere and the tile work is especially outstanding. One of the most difficult tasks was trying to decide which of the many mosaic tile scenes to feature in this blog. Mervin has so many great pieces, like him I am partial to the hummingbirds, Pitons and underwater visions he creates. But even his technical work is fabulous; he lays his floors off one string line and puts down row after row of perfectly even tiles without the aid of spacers.

If you look at Mervin's old work and compare it to his latest efforts you can see the growth and confidence that has emerged with each cut of the saw. His designs have become bolder, crisper and more detailed with brilliant color choices and background fields that blend effortlessly with his subject matter. Many people have copied the styling of Ladera and the tile mosaics are surely one of the most photographed features in the suites.

Mervin was at the resort to participate in the renovation of several suites that were damaged in the hurricane. I was able to watch him as he began the floor and laid up the drawings for the shower and pool areas. He is a gentle man, soft spoken but fiercely proud of his work and obviously touched by the memories of his mentor Mr. Di Paul. He frequently expressed his gratitude to the man and was misty eyed saying, " I still miss Mr. Di Paul, he taught me everything."