About La Vista Tile

Tile: a thin, flat or convex slab of baked clay or plastic concrete, or other material, laid in rows to cover walls, floors or roofs. — Webster

“Tile” is a way of transforming imagination into literal existence. Concrete is the vessel I choose to create the artistry. — Candace Hixon

La Vista Tile is a small custom concrete tile company, located in the coastal town of Half Moon Bay, California. Along with custom concrete tile they also create custom sinks, countertops, fireplaces, and furniture. Artist Candace Hixon graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in ceramics and moved west to apprentice to potter Dennis Parks in Tuscarora, Nevada. While wanting to persue her work in clay she received a Masters Degree in Ceramics from San Francisco State University. She started La Vista Tile in 1994, specializing in making ceramic trim tile and painting ceramic tile murals.

Concrete always was of interest but seemed too unrefined at the time to do any real detail work in tile. It was the gypsum product; Tough Stone that started to pave the way to independence from firing a kiln. Now that is all changed. Concrete is an amazingly sophisticated material that can be formed into any shape and texture and can be made into any color.

After taking numerous seminars at trade shows, weekend retreats with all “the guys” learning about acid staining, micro toppings, experimenting with different mixes, reading all the books available and taking workshops with Buddy Rhodes in San Francisco, there is no turning back. Candace still uses clay in her work but no longer fires it. Her work is unique in its approach and the result is a testimony to the love of both clay and concrete.

Candace and her husband Jack, a 30-year union plumber for residential and large commercial projects have formed a unique partnership that understands how it is all put together. He knows exactly what is behind the wall, under the floor or countertop, and all those little plumbing parts that most people could never understand. He is also an accomplished carpenter and electrician, all very valuable skills in creating a practical work of art for your home.