Drop Cloth - Blog

Recent projects, musings, drawings, and observations

Mosaic Stairwell Sails - install in progress

A view of the stairwell from the first floor; R Williamson, 5/21

A view of the stairwell from the first floor; R Williamson, 5/21

With still more sails to come, the first five pieces of this stairwell installation were hoisted into approximate position yesterday. Final adjustments will be made when all pieces are hanging, and the tie-off ropes will be hidden behind each piece. Besides providing an explosion of color in an otherwise white space, the sails animate the tall interior and distract the eye from some of the awkward ducting, conduit, snd insulated vents that festoon the wall behind them.

Another view, from the top of the stairs, R Williamson, 5/21

Another view, from the top of the stairs, R Williamson, 5/21

The location on Capital Hill in the Broadway Market complex is where the old Urban Outfitters once was. Mosaic Salon has taken the large two story space and carved it into a rabbit warren of individual salon spaces for entrepreneurial beauticians of all types. These were painted on faux sails, fabricated for me by the very capable drapery shop at PNTA in Seattle. Constructed with an inherently fire retarded polyester muslin, they meet a class A fire rating. I painted them with the usual Golden Fluid Acrylics thinned with matte medium and water for gradated watercolor-like effects.