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"Imago Dei | Artists"
Our team of Imago Dei designers and artists recently completed an intricately detailed mosaic mural for an Austin, Texas client. While we’ll be keeping many of our techniques and treatments used for the mosaic closely guarded we wanted to give our readers a bit of insight into its creation. So we went straight to the artist who is partially responsible for its amazing beauty, Amanda Sisk. Following is a short interview with Amanda and images of the completed work of art.
How long did it take you to complete the mosaic?
“The design of the mosaic mural was a first for Imago Dei. Many hours of hard work went into developing the technique that would give us the amazing end result of a crisp, luminous mosaic. As with any new venture on this scope, it was a definite learning experience. The design team deserves the lion’s share of credit because the three or four days I spent painting actually comprised the easy part of the project!”
What materials did you work with?
“We often paint murals in-house on stretched and primed canvas rather than directly on the walls or ceiling of a space. Then they are installed on-site with an adhesive. Not only is this approach easier on the artist’s body – I would not wish the Sistine Chapel approach on anyone – if the client moves or experiences any damage to the work, the mural can be relocated or repaired.
“We often paint murals in-house on stretched and primed canvas rather than directly on the walls or ceiling of a space. Then they are installed on-site with an adhesive. Not only is this approach easier on the artist’s body – I would not wish the Sistine Chapel approach on anyone – if the client moves or experiences any damage to the work, the mural can be relocated or repaired.
Imago Dei strives to use materials that are non-toxic/green, high in longevity, and time-efficient; as with the majority of our murals, we used acrylic paint. Vinyl was employed to mask the grout areas in-between the tiles. Interestingly, I did less painting with a brush and more rubbing in of the paint with my fingers and rags to achieve both the uniformity of and variation in texture that we were seeking within the mosaic “tiles.”
How would you describe the colors you mixed for the mural?
“Fabric swatches were used to match our palette to existing colour themes in the client’s home, thereby ensuring harmony between the mural and its final destination. The bold red, blue, ochre, etc. referenced mosaics from antiquity quite well.
I spent some time working in Pompeii and Naples, where I studied wall paintings and viewed many mosaics, and I was pleased with the warmth of the bright colours. We do not always remember that ancient Greece and Rome were intensely colourful because very few marble sculptures and wall paintings retain the vividness of the paint once applied to them. My favourite part of painting this mural was adding a final layer of “dirt” to bring the brightness down a notch for the antiquated look. Secret recipe!”
The Art of Conversation luncheon is coming up soon, don’t miss it! The discussion will take place on Monday, November 8 and will benefit the City ArtWorks and our after school art programs. Choose from an all-star panel of conversationalists to luncheon with including our own Jamie and Jeremy Wells who are on the panel again this year. If you have not yet registered, it’s not too late!
You can purchase tickets online or look below for basic information about our fundraising event and call City ArtWorks at 713-681-1331. We will be happy to take your reservation over the phone. Hurry though… space is limited! See the official AOC press release below for more information!
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Art of Conversation on Nov 8, 2010
Sharon Brier, P.R.
713-914-8727
Let the Chatter Begin: Join me for Lunch Nov. 8th
The Art of Conversation Luncheon will benefit City ArtWorks on Monday, Nov 8, 2010 at The Junior League. Thirty two engaging leaders in Houston will lead conversations of interest to those who pay to sit with them. The Co-Chairs are Cindi Rose and Marcy DeLuna. The tickets are $100: the tables start at $1500. Call for an invitation. 713-681-1331 Art of Conversation
City ArtWorks provides art expression classes to elementary age children after school in over 70 schools and in community centers in economically disadvantaged areas. Last year over 1000 children attended on free scholarships. Treat your friends and buy the whole table! Here is the list of the interesting conversationalists:
Bob Allen: Sports Director at KTRK
Katherine Cabaniss: Executive Director of Crime Stoppers of Houston
Len Cannon: News Anchor at KHOU
Gracie Cavnar: Founder, Recipe for Success
Barbara Davis: Art Dealer/Gallery Owner – Barbara Davis Gallery
Matthew Dirst: Founding Artistic Director, Ars Lyrica and Professor – University of Houston Moores School of Music
Deborah Duncan: Talk Show Host for Great Day Houston
Adrian Garcia: Harris County Sheriff
Dixie Friend Gay: Visual Artist – “Houston Bayou” Mosaic at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Mehrnaz Gill: Community Volunteer and Author of the children’s book The Yellow Butterfly
Molly Glentzer: Lifestyle Editor of the Houston Chronicle
Mark Hanson: Executive Director and CEO – Houston Symphony
Mickey Herskowitz: Sports Writer and Author
Shelby Hodge: Editor-at-Large – CultureMap
Willard Holmes: Associate Director of Administration – Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Elouise Adams Jones: Proprietress and Executive Chef – Ousie’s Table
Toby Kamps: Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art – The Menil Collection
Al Marcus: Local Farmer’s Market Culinary Artisan – The Grateful Bread
Mariquita Masterson: Artist and Jewelry Designer – Masterson Design Inc.
Honorable Miguel Fernandez de Mazarambroz, Consul General of Spain
Catherine Clark Mosbacher: President and CEO, Center For Houston’s Future
Jane Moser: Manager, Brazos Bookstore, former owner of children’s bookstore Stop, Look, and Learn
Erica Rose: Reality TV Star – You’re Cut Off! and The Bachelor
Dr. Franklin Rose: Board Certified Plastic Surgeon – Utopia Med Spa
Joy Sewing: Fashion and Beauty Editor – Houston Chronicle
Michael Peter Skelly: President Clean Line Energy Partners/Co-founder, Houston Renewable Energy Network
Bill Stubbs: Award Winning Interior Designer, Author and Host of “Moment of Luxury”
Colin Ure: Dramaturg – Houston Grand Opera
Dancie Ware: Public Relations – Owner of Dancie Perugini Ware Public Relations
Jeremy Wells: Artist/Co-Founder of Imago Dei, Custom Decorative Finishes and Art Commissions
Geoff Winningham: Award Winning Photographer, Filmmaker & Photography Instructor – Professor at Rice University
Imago Dei is proud to announce our move to Rice Village! We want you to join us for food, drinks and live music as we celebrate our new studio and art gallery.
October 20th, 2010 // 6 — 10 PM
2525 Robinhood Street
Suite 1000
Houston, Texas 77005
www.ImagoDei.pro // 713.520.5557
Stop by and see us!
