Walls of Fame; The Artist Couple Life Inspired by the Hill Country
- Artist Couple, llc
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
A behind the scenes look at our magazine feature and the projects and place that shaped it.
Originally published in the Picayune magazine. written by - Daniel Clifton
They made books fly across the walls in a corner of the Bertram Library and created a larger-than-life Willie Nelson mural in tribute to Texas musicians at Mad Hatters Provisions and Beer Hall in Burnet.
Sara and Topher Mack, The Artist Couple, began their joint-aesthetic journey after meeting on a study trip to Thailand and Cambodian adventure that took them to Milwaukee, Austin, and now Oatmeal near Bertram.
Country life among the Texas oaks and cedars inspires their art and sparked their business.
“Moving here has influenced me a lot—one hundred percent,” Sara said. “I gravitate in my art to skyscapes, landscapes, plants, and animals. I’m definitely more inspired here than I would be downtown Austin or something like that.”
Topher, who grew up on a Wisconsin farm, agreed.
“It’s nice to be able to step outside and breathe,” he said. “Things can get hectic when you’re juggling a dozen projects and traveling. It’s good to just sit and reset.”
The couple moved from Wisconsin to Texas about 10 years ago, first living in the Austin area. Both have art degrees. Topher took steady work in real estate and architectural photography, while Sara struggled to find a creative fit.
“I was looking at jobs and didn’t really find a whole lot I liked,” she said.
Though Topher’s photography brought in reliable income, he wanted something more fulfilling. Neither saw themselves in traditional 9-to-5 jobs. One day, Topher suggested they start a business together.
It was a leap-Sara had no business experience, and Topher’s knowledge of accounting came from a single college class-but the idea of building something on their own terms outweighed any fears.
They launched The Artist Couple and explored what kind of art business to run. Selling individual paintings was one option, but offering creative services-especially custom murals-was in much higher demand.
Soon, their colorful, textured works appeared in homes, businesses, and public spaces across Central Texas, including in the Bertram Library’s newly added tween section.
“It was a really big challenge,” said Sara of the blue geometric flying books mural in the downtown library. “It’s a tessellation mural. You have to get the geometry just right.”
The work is reminiscent of Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher, who is world-famous for his intricately patterned designs that trick the eye.
“Tessellation is when you have a pattern where all the shapes fit perfectly together, like M.C. Escher does with birds and fish and shapes,” Sara said.
A library mural was a perfect fit for Sara, whose mother was an elementary school librarian.
“I’ve always been in libraries, all my life,” she continued. “I love libraries.”
She’s now on the Friends of the Bertram Library board, a natural outcome of the couple’s desire to make new friends and be involved in their community.
Sara and Topher’s artistic styles complement one another. Along with bold murals, they also create textured works using Venetian plaster and other materials as well as logo and design projects for companies. They have murals at Nagas Indian Restaurant in Cedar Park, Brushy Creek Community Center in Round Rock, Rough Hollow Elementary School in Spicewood, and Westwood High School in Austin.
It’s a mix that works for them, Sara said.
Some clients come to them with clear ideas; others need guidance.
“You take your time with them and really get a feel for the space and what they want,” she said. “We have to play detective.”
The Willie Nelson mural was the result of a brainstorm between Topher and the owner of Mad Hatters, who is a friend.
“Out of that process, we came up with the idea to make the wall a mosaic of different artists,” Topher said. “They will all come together to form one big mosaic mural. Willie Nelson is the first of many musicians, all from Texas, who will be on that wall. Willie Nelson, of course, had to be first.”
Not all jobs come from a tête-à-tête with friends. The Artist Couple works to balance creativity with business realities, which can be challenging with the constant cycle of finding clients, managing multiple projects, and maintaining steady finances.
“There’s a lot of trial and error,” Topher said. “We’re fine artists so ‘selling out’ isn’t cool but we also want to be full-time artists. That means making money to pay the bills.”
Pricing remains a difficult aspect.
“That’s always a struggle for an artist,” Sara added. “You put your soul into something and then you have to put a price tag on it.”
The couple moved to Oatmeal in 2020 after five years in Austin, trading city life for the quiet of the country.
“I was a little nervous about being far from art galleries and events,” Sara said. “But then you take a breath out here and think, ‘This is nice.’ I’m glad we live out here.”
The Hill Country, with its open skies, rolling hills, and natural beauty, now serves as a muse. Between mural projects, Sara paints landscapes and nature-inspired works drawn from her surroundings.
“And if you get stuck, go outside go for a walk and clear your head,” Topher said.
“Yeah,” Sara added. “Going on walks is one of the best things when I get overwhelmed. This is the best place to walk and run. You see the views, and you just let go of stress and artist’s block. I don’t think I could do that if we lived downtown.”
For the Macks, the move to Oatmeal wasn’t just a lifestyle choice it was a creative one. The slower pace and natural setting have become integral to their artistic process, providing the quiet space needed to recharge and create.
To see more of the Macks’ work in person, visit Mosaic Garden Treasures at 143 E. Vaughan St. in Bertram or check out their website at artistcouple.com, Instagram, facebook, pinterst and yelp.
