Meet Patrick Roullier. An amazingly talented artist, all-round nice guy and a treasured friend.
Raised in Michigan he now resides in Chicago. Patrick is a local master schooled in many art forms
Let's take a look while I introduce you to this dear man
The arts were instilled from earliest memories. And in advance of their times, his parents rarely bought new, scouring flea markets, yard sales and second hand shops. The altering of an existing piece was a way of life.
Father; photographer
Mother; painter
Grandfather; woodworker
Grandmother; tole painter
His Aunt Jackie was the component in propelling him to consider the arts as a career, "do what you love and let the money follow."
close-up
Graduating in Scientific Illustration from the school of the Art Institute in Chicago plus biology courses at Roosevelt University he planned on entering the Medical Arts.
During schooling he worked at Chicago's Oriental Institute doing maps and other archeological renderings, pot shards, designs, tombs and various artifacts.
Exquisite topiary on lined wall
A major life change occurred at age 19 when Patrick was mentored by Anna Chiara Branca renowned watercolor and porcelain artist....Mother of Allesandra. At Branca design he became interested in doing highly detailed work, botanical renderings and studying the masters. As a true apprentice he began by washing brushes, sanding and priming as Ms. Branca introduced him to the world of interior design and the history of European decorative arts.
Branca's design studio made a a life altering impression..........creative people and artisans could indeed make a living in the arts.
Until the latter part of the 19th century it was common that plaster was used decoratively inside a building. Primary materials could be lime and sand plus animal or plant fibers for strength. Later adding Portland and gypsum replacing traditional lime.
tole lamps
Next step......Frederick Cooper Lamps, painting traditional tole, faux wood and faux marble on thousands of surfaces. Patrick had the opportunity to provide custom work for Mario Buatta but the ultimate was creative license in developing a line called 'Anderson & Roullier' lamps.
At night he assisted an elderly lady, Judith Brubaker whom pushed Patrick into wood. Learning wood finishes, french polishing and gilded gesso. On his own he practiced throwing pottery and sculpture.
5th; What artists have influenced you?
Patrick Roullier; Ghram Rust, Issabelle Oneil, Jocastas Innes,
who have instructive books.
John Fowler mostly for his resourcefulness and polished feel.
Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, Jed Johnson and Charlotte Moss
"I LOVE the Colefax and Fowler book!
Painted and 'Japanned'
The term 'japanning' is a process of heavy lacquer almost like enamel paint. Originated in India, China and Japan as a decorative coating for pottery, reaching Europe by the 1600's. This is a costly and time consuming process achieved in many steps.
1) numerous coats
2) heat dry each layer
3) polish to a smooth glossy finish
5th: What type of projects are you currently working on?
PR: Continuing experiments with painting wall papers.
Chinoiserie of the 18th century
Deconstruction of traditional motifs to create a more modern custom look for clients
Many many years later an artist was referred to us for an event at the shop. Trusting my friends recommendation, the day of the event arrived as did this sweet and charming (and very cute) gentleman, portfolio in hand.........IT WAS HIM!
In France hand painted wallpapers were the rage since 1797. Of all the French wallpaper artists Monsieur Zuber was the "creme de la creme"
Before photography this was an upper crust decorative art craze depicting far away lands and periods long lost.
hand painted mural within molding
delicate grain over custom made stencil
Another example of 'Japanning'. The ceiling detail replicates the pattern in a rug below.
Afraid of heights? Look out below!
The partnership with Urban Gardener eventually set Patrick on his course of total independence. Having met so many designers, relationships were set and he was on track to an enviable position; busy, freelance artist.
1) powder room..............our family tartan.........Denny. The vintage basin would be a french iron wall fountain
2) full bath; walls in the look of worn and aged leather. hammered nail heads, nail portion removed and glued to the wall in a pattern, all to replicate vintage traveling trunks.
AFTER; Faux bois paneling. Looking for an art lamp above the pictures to add a warm glow
Had to throw in some element of folly! :-)
Love you Patrick!
contact him at; proullier@rcn.com
This man is someone else I admire for his over the top talent........Eddie Ross! I know, I know you are rolling your eyes thinking "what is her obsession with this guy?"
NICE BEYOND COMPARE, TALENTED in many realms, INSPIRATIONAL and GIVING
"Why is she writing about him again?"..................EASY he needs your VOTE!
If you have not heard, there is a big contest at Bloomingdale's in New York. Elle Decor has asked Eddie and Jaithan to represent them and decorate one of the big windows. AND.....it is a CONTEST! Two others are involved, Apartment Therapy and Bloomingdale's themselves. but hurry! contest ends Jan. 28th.
Take a peek then go here to vote. Let's help our friend, and maybe yours too, We are discussing a visit with Eddie and Jaithan to Chicago late April (ish)
xo
Debra
