From the monthly archives: July 2009
A local family recently had the inspiration to install two Hollywood/Bollywood-themed murals in their newly completed home theater. Imago Dei artists created a composite image of the homeowners’ favorite Indian and US film icons against an exotic backdrop. The imagery was digitized and stylized for a unique and contemporary composition. A sepia-toned color palette was employed for a historical look with teal and violet accents for interest. The entire effect pays homage to the classic movie stars of old, while complimenting contemporary actors.
The homeowners were also able to personalize the murals by placing photo images of themselves and their children into the scenes for a touch of whimsy. Imago Dei designed murals that were printed on a sturdy, canvas-based wallcovering then installed around the room’s accent lighting and theater-quality sound system.
Q & A with the homeowner:
Q How did you get the inspiration for these murals?
A The idea actually came from our designer, Sonu Anand, who came up with the initial concept, knowing that we have been lifelong film fans, both in India and in America.
Q How did Imago Dei help to bring that vision into reality?
A Imago Dei did a great job to bring that concept into reality. They used creativity, technology and imagination to form an amalgamation from classic stars to the modern reign. They made an amazing collage that is totally unique.
Q What was your favorite part of the mural?
A I have to say my favorite part is having our pictures in there. They made us part of that galaxy of stars. There is a dramatic flow from Indian greats like Shahrukh Khan and Ashwarya Rai (a Miss Universe turned actress), to Brad Pitt and Elizabeth Taylor. To have our family with them is really great.
Q What kind of feedback have you received to the artwork?
A People are amazed. They tell me they have not seen anything like this anywhere, in a private home or a commercial area. It’s classy and entertaining.They love it.
A detail of one of the Hollywood/Bollywood murals during installationBollywood is an informal term that refers to the hugely successful Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai, India. Rapidly gathering an enthusiastic fan base in the US, Bollywood films are highly energetic and entertaining with colorful costumes, music and adventure.
For an electronic society, we sure generate a lot of paper! On the average, every sheet of recycled paper that Imago Dei purchases gets used at least three more times, usually ending up as shredded packing material.
Recently, while looking at a barrel full of shredded paper Imago Dei’s owner, Jeremy Wells, asked our most frequent question, “What can we create out of this?”. Much experimentation and two kitchen blenders later, a beautiful recycled paper wall finish was born. After adding a Fortuny stencil, it was the perfect blend of organic and elegant.
In another part of our studio, Imago Dei designs and produces our own line of custom stencils and Bella Stampinos (custom adhesive-backed stencils). As these products have increased in popularity, the volume of the excess material removed from the designs has increased as well. Eva Ann, Imago Dei artist and jewelry designer, again asked the question and came up with a fun and funky bracelet made with recycled products.
While being green has been on everyone’s mind, it can be difficult to put it into practice. Here at Imago Dei, we have found new ways to recycle and reuse in our office, from office supplies to supposed trash, we are harnessing our creativity into new and exciting endeavors for our business. Pedro Calderon de la Barca (Dramatist and poet, the greatest Spanish playwright of the Golden Age, 1600-1681) may not have been thinking about the environment when he said, “Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” but when Imago Dei thinks “green” we also think “beautiful.”
There is much talk these days about “being green.” For most businesses, that might mean choosing energy efficient vehicles and keeping the thermostat set a few degrees higher. Or maybe converting to paperless statements whenever possible or recycling your already recycled paper products if necessary. Of course Imago Dei adheres to these typical green practices, but when a team of creative artists recycles, green can also be beautiful!
In their August 2009 issue, Texas Home & Living magazine ran a beautiful article featuring designs by Jane Page Crump Design Firm. Imago Dei was fortunate to be able to work with Jane Page on several of these projects as shown below. A very unusual mural in the living room highlights a bold palm tree motif in subdued tones providing a relaxing, yet elegant ambiance. Above this room and extending into the foyer is a stunning barrel vault with a rich color palette of blues, bronzes and greens, perfect for this lakeside home.
The dining room is a dramatic fiery red Venetian plaster treatment with gold accent. We also did a trompe l’oeil mural in an occulus dome with a tropical jungle view.
This was a stunning house that won multiple awards at the last ASID awards ceremony, including Best Vacation Home and Honorable Mention in the Residential Living Room catagory.
