Growing up in France I was exposed to the work of artists, known or unknown, who had chosen walls to express their ideas. Lascaux and the prehistorical caves of south western France seemed magical to me. The Roman frescoes, the Sixtine Chapel, the painted walls of Italian villas and of courses the churches, chapels, castles and palaces of Europe were an amazing source of inspiration. Yet much closer, my great aunt’s work in the old family house-she was an artist herself-brought joy into my world.
Walls offer an extra dimension to a painting, not just because of their size, but because of their place in space. A painted subject or a Faux Finished surface takes on a life of its own, as if now fixed, it becomes a family member or a friend bound to live with you. A painting on a movable support, like a canvas for example, can be placed on different walls and can change the character of the room. A painted wall is in its place for a long time. It is a statement in itself.
The techniques, paints and supports are different from the ones used on smaller formats like canvas, paper, board. Murals, Trompe l’Oeil and Faux Finished walls require a different way of thinking and approaching colors. You have to take into account the movement of light throughout the day, the feel of the surrounding space. It is a challenging and fascinating process. When I have “carte blanche” I let the walls dictate.
Painted walls are the silent accomplices in your intimate world. In public places they reach out to you and bring you into a space that is not neutral anymore but is instead a place of feelings. Enjoy them!
