Travel is one of the most satisfying pleasures in life. I haven’t done much of it recently, but hope to make up for it this year. In 2006, my sister, Suzanne, and I went to Italy — it’s one of those perfect memories that I will hold in my heart eternally. Thousands of pictures came out of that trip, but I did want to start with one that proved to be an immediate inspiration for a client’s home. (As always, please click on any pic to get a nice zoom close-up.)
Mantova (also called Mantua) is a city in Northern Italy. Suzy and I strolled the streets and we came upon this gem of a doorway (Left) and upon my return to the States, it inspired this entrance into our client’s wine cellar (Right).
Here are a few pics we took just by strolling around the streets of Mantova…
I remember arriving in Italy and upon check-in at our hotel in Verona, we immediately walked to a ristorante in a piazza to get our bearings. [Because great food and wine usually help, no? (nodding sagely)] I couldn’t get over the feeling that I was in the World Showcase in Orlando’s Epcot Center and it took a bit to start believing that all my surroundings were real and not a tourist destination created by artisans. What I find incredible is that while looking at all those distressed buildings, you realize that they were in full color at their zenith in time — incredible as they still are, THAT must have been quite the sight to see. Until next time!
Recently, I became aware of a trip to Lebanon that was undertaken by artisan Rima Bechara, of Massachusett’s Walls & More. Of course, I was completely intrigued and was elated when she agreed to share some of her story and pictures. Yay for us!
Lebanon is in Western Asia and bordered by Syria, Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. It’s capital is Beirut and the official languages are both Arabic and French. Rima explains her background, “I was born in Beirut but because of political and religious unrest my father moved my family to England when I was 8 years old. We used to visit most summers since we still had family there. I met my husband at school in Manchester, England, and he, too, was born in Beirut. We go back every few years with our girls, because we want them to remember their culture and the rich heritage that Lebanon has. Unfortunately, the media shows only the extremes of Lebanese fighting or in the alternate, its place as one of the world’s party places. The Lebanese are very hospitable and kind people. If it were not for the political and religious problems, Lebanon would be a paradise.“
She continues, “As far as design, almost every space seems to be made from stone and marble. The buildings and high rises are all steel and concrete. The internal walls are very thick with absolutely no wallpaper. Most homes are still into white walls because the furniture in those rooms is very ornate. There are no wooden floors and the ceilings are plaster. The rooms are huge and there are lots of balconies.”
Here’s the lovely Rima and her family…
Rima was particularly fascinated by the Palace of Beiteddine. She explains, “It took about 30 years to complete and the best craftsmen from Damascus, Aleppo and Italy were invited and given the freedom to create. It’s style is a cross between traditional Arab and Italian baroque. The walls and ceilings are covered in intricately carved and painted wood, embellished with Arab calligraphy. The palace is the summer residence of the President.”
Baalbek, one of Lebanon’s greatest treasures, can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world. It is one of the largest and best preserved Roman temples ever built.
A bit more of the architecture and artworks around Lebanon.
I hope you’ve enjoyed our virtual trip to the beautiful country of Lebanon. Thank you, Rima, for sharing all your wonderful information, insights and photographs! Please do visit her website if you have a moment. Until next time, dear Reader!
“Be careful what you wish for” has been a recurring theme in my life. When I started the Fauxology blog, my goal was to reach out to fellow kindred spirits to share my love and obsession for all things Art. In the years since, I’ve interacted with some of the best artisans in the world and have gained lifelong friendships. Couldn’t get any better, right?
Then, I was contacted by the wonderful Home Workshop, a daily blog that focuses on design trends, how-to projects, transformation of rooms, products in the marketplace and so much more. They were looking for a Decorative Painting & Surface Design Expert to answer questions and contribute posts for their readers — would I be interested? Of course! So, now, the dream of sharing my knowledge continues to an even greater degree — heaven help my somewhat-insatiable curiosity!
My first post for Home Workshop revolves around a recent research trip to Bok Tower & Gardens, a national historic site here in Central Florida. To read the full post, click here — it features some of the gorgeous landscaping and good reference shots. You can also read my bio on the Contributor page. I do hope you enjoy the post and the Home Workshop blog! In the meantime, I shall still be writing for all my amazing peers here at Fauxology and have some great posts coming up. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season so far!
While we were down in Miami, my brother wanted to take his first-time visit to Vizcaya. He had read my post, heard the stories, perused the book and he was ready. (A true artisan to the core.) So off we went with the team the day after HD Boutique ended.
As you may or may not know, my brother is an avid photographer. Of course, I literally lost him within the first five (5) minutes and I came upon him hours later in a strange position trying to catch the gardens and the light perfectly. (I was like “Dude. Please don’t tell anyone you know me. We never had this conversation. I’m backing up now.”)
Although the interiors cannot be photographed, I did manage to take some more pics of the exterior and gardens. But I have a surprise for you later in the post…
So, at this point, my husband and I have wandered into areas we’ve never had the time to explore and we came upon this structure (below).
We walked in and…I stopped in my tracks. An exterior garden structure with this ceiling. (The right from beneath pic is here.)
I know the floor had a beautiful pattern (could have been a mosaic) but I was too enthralled by the mural’s discovery. Oh, I wish you could have been there. The structure had two rooms on either side and the (below) left pic was one of them, with carved plaster walls. On the right is my last pic of the day…so peaceful and wonderful. Looove Vizcaya — I do hope you get a chance to visit.
P.S. True Story: After I saw that ceiling, I literally ran to where my brother was and just stood there with my jaw open, making pointing gestures, unable to speak. He said “Dude. Please don’t tell anyone you know me. We never had this conversation. I’m backing up now.” Sigh…
Garay Artisans took a booth again at the HD Boutique Show this past September. HD Boutique is a conference for interior designers in the hospitality industry. It’s a terrific show for those of us heavily involved in the commercial side of the decorative arts. I knew that on top of our faux finishing portfolio, we were going to strongly promote our antique ornamental mirror services so it was imperative that we pick a theme. It came down to Snow White (”Mirror, Mirror on the Walls” — actually I was going to call it Mirror Mirror & the Walls or “Brewing Up Magical Finishes That Will Leave Your Clients Enchanted”) or Alice in Wonderland (”Journey Through the Looking Glass”). The team took a vote and Alice it was.
The drawing above, representing our back wall, started the whole shebang. It was drawn up by my brother Jason and fellow artisan, Monica Zeuli, while at a bar enjoying live music. (Seriously. They actually called me, too. Excitedly. That’s commitment, folks.) Then it was taken by our web girl, Karen Donnelly, and drawn out graphically (below). We now had a visual to use as a jumping off point.
We decided that we were going to build the back panel and cut out the “frames” for the live antique mirrors to go up against. We also ordered the lettering from Modello and bought checkerboard flooring instead of having regular carpet. The purchases continued with shelving and we luckily had furniture loaned to us by Morris & Kalm, a staging company we work with. (While touring their super-large storage facility, we came across a White Rabbit figurine. Kismet.) Here’s some during pics with Jason & Monica.
Since we’ve done many trade shows and have learned never to leave anything to chance, we did a run-through and set up the entire booth in part of our warehouse space within a taped out 10′ x 10′ space. I highly suggest you do this if setting up for a conference — it outlined many of the things we needed to fix and be prepared for. We then took it all apart and loaded our van. Here’s a pic while we were setting it up.
Here’s some pics of us before the show. That’s my hubby, Chris, putting up the brackets for the computer screens that would be showing a slideshow of our work. They were going on both ends of the booth. It did take a village putting this together.
Below, the final shots of our space. Are you surprised to see Alice there? Actually, that’s Karen, our webgirl, and since her middle name is Alicia, that’s what her badge said. She was pitch-perfect — and I can’t tell you how much of a popular draw she was. Monica and I went dressed as the Tweedle Divas. We both had the same outfit on during the show — striped top, black pants, colored scarf.
It was two-day show and it tooks weeks to prepare for — but we can count it as a definite success. I hope this inspires you to dream up your own trade show booth! We do have a Part Two coming next week with some of the marketing stuff we did beforehand to help ensure success. I think you’ll like it…
Recently, we were asked to provide the antique mirrors for the beautiful Bohemian Hotel in Savannah, GA. Not just any antique mirrors — mirrors with splashes of copper and gold to line all seven guest hallways & elevator platforms as well as mirrors with plums and antique copper patinas for the back wall of the lobby. The interior design was approved by Savannah’s Historic Review Board and although it has a contemporary design, it also channels a vintage allure that recalls the era when settlers first arrived.
The sibs and I have traveled together before but this was the first time we all took our loved ones — and we headed to the hotel’s Grand Opening weekend! The Gorgeous Hubster and I had a beautiful room on the 4th floor with a balcony that opened up to a riverfront view. The room was super high-tech and the bathroom had handcarved furniture, gorgeous light fixtures and yummy goodies. Take a look at the view from the rooftop bar!
Here’s the best images we have — mirrors are hard to photograph. Our opinion is that they look better in person, hope that doesn’t sound presumptuous. Can’t wait to see the pro pics!
During our stay, we took the town by storm. (Or, I should say the town took us by storm. There was a lot of walking — and rain — involved.) Here’s images from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, both exterior and interior.
Walking around Savannah, you can see how important decorative ironworks were to their history. It’s said to have been chosen due to its resistance to the constant threat of fire. Here are two examples and although you might think the gate on the right is all leaves, it does have a secret squirrel.
A few years ago, we were asked by a designer, Lisa League, to faux the lobby bathrooms of the beautiful boutique hotel, Sundy House. Some of you may think that’s not glamorous but we enjoyed the commission. When working out of town, we usually stay in a clean serviceable hotel but the management provided rooms for us since we were working there. True Story: They treated us like Royalty. My brother had a beautiful room with a balcony overlooking their lush and exotic ponds and gardens. Karenne (a team member at the time — miss you!) and I had a two-story cottage. We ate at their amazing restaurant and had a chance to swim in their waterfalls and pools, one of which had tropical fish and giant plecos you could swim along with. Needless to say, we worked hard for them. :)
Before we came along, they had other artisans work in the property while it was being built. I don’t know who the artisans were but their work is phenomenal — and it was clear the designers enjoyed decorative painting. I thought I would share a few pics of some artwork…
Murals and Faux work (see closeup of the textured faux here)…
…striking Trompe L’oeil on both floors and (!!) doorways (closeup here)…
The Gardens – a romantic spot on the left and arriving at a cottage on the right
Below, one of the pools…
…and Karenne deciding if she wants to swim with the fishes (OK, I had to…)
The ponds outside the restaurant
My brother, Jason, and Karenne near the entrance to one of the garden pathways. Gorgeous tree and sitting area, no?
Oh, and our baths, you ask? Maybe not as exciting as all the previous pics but here they are! (Closeup of the left finish here)…
If you do get a chance to visit Delray Beach, FL (one hour north of Miami), please consider staying at Sundy House. With only 11 luxurious guest quarters, it’s great for family reunions or in the alternate, a romantic getaway. I promise that there is plenty to both relax and inspire the senses!
I grew up in Miami, Florida. It does bring about all that you think it does: good times in South Beach, perpetual sunny weather, outgoing and vivacious personalities, delicious Latin food and great drinks…to name just a few. However, Miami also has hidden gems that a few of the locals know about. One of these is Vizcaya, the former winter home and garden of James Deering. It is now a public museum that is open year-round and is a must-see visit for anyone in the interior design and decorative painting fields.
Last weekend I had a chance to visit it again. (One of the times I visited was during a junior high fieldtrip. They were holding a Renaissance Fair and I went in a toga. Thanks goodness my clueless self didn’t go into the fashion field.) Every time, I see something I haven’t discovered before.
Last year, a Visions of Vizcaya book was put together and sumptuously photographed by Bill Sumner. Here are some of the interior images found in the book.
I don’t mean to get hyperbolic on you, but I believe Nichole Blackburn is one of the most special artisans in the world. In addition to the beautiful work she does with her company, Celadon Studios & Fine Art, what makes her even more outstanding is that she travels the world donating large-scale murals to children’s organizations through her not-for-profit organization, Big Sky Countries. Since 2006, she has painted in Thailand, Ireland, the Phillipines, Bolivia and here in the US: Los Angeles and New Orleans. In all of her murals, there is one thing in common: skies. She promotes art as therapy and the belief that no matter where we come from, we all live under the same sky.
Nichole received her B.A. in Fine Art and Design from San Diego State University. In August 2006, she spent a month studying under William Cochran, one of the world’s leading trompe l’oeil artisans. She joined a select team of six (6) artists who worked on a five-story mural project called “The Dreaming”. Incredibly, Nichole has traveled to over 30 countries worldwide to fully broaden her art experience and knowledge. She was able to take some time to chat with us. Are we lucky or what?!?
Q: How did you begin this career path?
A: I don’t think there was any other option! I did consider being a tattoo artist after hight school. Tattoo magazines was where I got a lot of my inspiration for designs and artwork when I was younger. I loved the vivid colors and some of the artwork is amazing!
Q: What are some great color combos and products you’ve come across?
A: I just love that darn gold foil! Cost-effective, easy and you don’t need to seal it. I also adore Nova Color Paint. It’s made for scenic artists and the paint is fantastic for large murals. I also can’t live without ultramarine blue and umber if I am doing a mural. Both mixed together make such a rich and beautiful black. Oh, and the Faux Masters dome brushes are invaluable for skies.
Q: What artist of today do you think will be remembered 100 years from now?
A: William Cochran – he is extraordinary! He uses this crazy mineral paint from Europe that never erodes, so his stuff will be up no matter what! William is truly a magnificent artist and instructor. Besides my high school art teacher, he has been one of the most influential artists I have had the pleasure of working with. I actually came up with the idea for my non-profit, Big Sky Countries, while working with him on The Dreaming.
Q: What photo or picture really moves you?
A: Hands down, Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. I painted a huge mural of it in my living room, and I attached a frame border around it so it looks like a hung painting. Van Gogh is one artist whose paintings I saw at an exhibit and it brought tears to my eyes. I was so moved. I can’t take my eyes off his work.
Q: Are you right or left-handed?
A: I am left-handed. My twin sister is right.
Q: What job would you like to have for a month?
A: I have this dream of being commissioned to do a boutique hotel some where amazing – Morrocco, Spain or Italy – and have the pleasure of painting the entry ceiling, a dome or two and the suites. I have always dreamt that I’d be up on scaffolding and painting my heart out, listening to my iPod and almost dancing while I paint this sky ceiling.
Isn’t she inspiring? You can tell she’s got a happy spirit about her — someone with whom you’d feel good to be with at any time. Plus, I completely agree with her on the lasting genius of William Cochran — he would be my pick as well. Please consider donating to her organization, Big Sky Countries. If you’d like further information, you can get on the mailing list. You can also see her company’s work at Celadon Studio. Here’s hoping we all strive to make a difference in our world!
OK, I finally had a chance to sort through some pics of our work at the Ballroom & PreFunction areas of the Grand Bohemian Asheville. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to take final pics with the furniture, chandelier crystals and the like (we were back in Florida by then) but I hope these capture some of the finished look for you. BTW — mirrors are a HARD object to capture nicely..be forwarned! So, we ready?
The Ballroom Before…
Now, for some close up shots. On the left is one of the larger capitals with just the base paint and on the right is the After pic.
I didn’t get a pic of the main doors at the final stage but you can see some of the process here with the aging, gold leaf and metallics. They did trade out the stronger metallic waterfall glaze in the “sun” area for a more sedate and cloudy one.
Some unique areas we fauxed were the divider panels and the ballroom finials.
Here’s a nice view of the Prefunction hallway.
Now for some mirrors. On the left is an antiqued pearl mirror located in the restaurant lounge. On the right are smoky oval mirrors created just for the hotel.
The one on the left has the mirror installed pre frame-out. On the right is a picture during the process (I can tell by the tape piece — this area wasn’t a done deal just yet).
Another Before & After. On the left, the base paint is on but the plaster reliefs (leaf work in the column insets) haven’t yet been installed. On the right, is the After.
Here’s the final pic I took – I was trying to get a decent shot of our inset mirrors along the elevator tops. Instead, I got the picture of us leaving on our last day with my brother leading the way. It was close to 11 pm. Seeing it makes me sad — but I do look forward to returning. I also hope that I’ve inspired you to travel to Asheville and take the opportunity to visit the intriguing Grand Bohemian. Until next time! :)
