They say variety is the spice of life and as an artist I do get asked to do many types of projects. In early 2020 a regular customer and friend of mine gave me a very interesting and somewhat challenging brief as part of a historic house renovation project. He wanted me to apply gold leaf stars on a dark blue arched ceiling with a painted stencilled border around it.
For this very unique project I had to source 23.5 carat gold leaf and size (adhesive) suitable for working overhead. I did a couple of trial stars to get the timing for the adhesive just right - too dry and the gold wouldn't stick, too wet and the fragile gold sheets were too hard to work with. At the same time I was researching designs and motifs for the stencilling and testing out sample patterns and colours for the border. It was a very absorbing task, with two very different elements to it. My client has a good eye himself, and knows when something is right for him, but at the same time allows me to use my experience and judgement, which made this job a very satisfying and enjoyable collaboration.
The end result, as you can see, enhances what was originally an alcove for an altar. It is once again a special space for prayer and reflection. The stars and border draw your eyes upwards and invite you to pause just for a while.