Portrait of an Artist: Grahame Menage

Artist: Grahame Menage

Grahame Menage is a British-born specialty decorative artist and muralist. He describes his work as “interpreting client’s desires and imagination”. With over 20 years of experience behind him, his work runs the gamut from large-scale murals to furniture restoration to classic marble & stone and even recreations of frescoes from the Italian Renaissance. He muses, “The work of an artist, more than any other professional, must be creative not repetitive. Decorative artists are expected to continually produce new and refreshing interpretations while still holding on to your confidence, which I believe I always try to do”. While based in the United States, he does do quite a bit of work around the world, especially in the South of France. His client list includes various restaurants in Amsterdam and Luxembourg and such notables as the Emir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and director Ridley Scott (“Gladiator”). I’m happy we’ve had a chance to chat with him.

Q: So, you have quite an interesting resume. How did you begin this career path?
A: I attended Portsmouth College of Art & Design followed by a year at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. After working as a Scenic Artist at the Welsh National Opera and the National Theatre of Great Britain, I started decorating private residences at the same time as working on major feature films, exhibitions and TV commercials.

Q: I myself was inspired by a Scenic Artist to enter this industry. Grahame, in all your years in the business, what has been the best piece of professional advice you have received?
A: To know that Art is a series of corrections!

Q: For me, sometimes it’s about letting go of the corrections! Tell me about some of the most fulfilling projects you’ve been involved with?
A: A project this year which was a private house in Buckhead which requires the whole gamut of my decorative knowledge in trompe l’oeil painting, skies, faux finishes and recreating antique patinas both on furniture and surfaces. I am also proud of the work I have done in New Orleans post Katrina for Gautreau’s Restaurant and also Soniat House Antiques.

Q: What are some of your personal favorite design and/or finish styles?
A: Any decorative effects that are uncontrived. Anything that makes me look and ask “How did they do this?”

Q: In all your travels, what have been some of the most inspiring spaces you’ve seen that had decorative painting?
A: The Vatican Museums, Rome. Also any cathedral with medieval or Renaissance frescoes.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give aspiring decorative artisans?
A: Attitude is more appropriate than aptitude.

I agree with the advice on attitude — it is so important to try and maintain a good presence, show respect and grace at all times. Well, I do hope you enjoyed the interview and a peek at his work! You can also visit Grahame’s website to see a full gallery and read more about his extraordinary work. Thank you, Grahame, for giving us a bit of your time. May we all be inspired by you to continue reaching for a more creative version of ourselves!