"Life Patterns — Mural, East End Garage" Gallery
About the Mural
Decorating with tiles and mosaics is a very old form of architectural enhancement. In Ancient Rome, having mosaic work in your building was a sign of prestige, especially if mounted on the wall rather than the floor. It was more desirable than a painted fresco because of its durability and brilliance. Mosaics were not only used for decoration, they were also a way to publicize ones interests, beliefs and associations by the symbols and imagery chosen.
This mosaic mural was commissioned by the Grove Place Neighborhood association for the street level facade of the East End Garage on Main St. in Rochester, NY. It was funded by the City of Rochester. It measures 456 sq. ft. and was completed in 2009."
More
The project called for creating a relationship between the sculpture by Arch Miller, which is sited on the northeast corner of the garage, and the Eastman Theatre, which is next to the garage on the west. The architecture of the garage is unadorned, a sharp contrast to the more ornate Eastman Theatre. The designs in the mural create a bridge between the two buildings referencing some of the details of the theater and putting them in a more contemporary context.
The barren quality of the area, especially when there are no leaves on the trees inspired Gussow to bring back reminders of natural life. She selected a variety of leaves from some plants now native to Rochester including the maple, oak, cypress, and locust to use as a design motif. The shapes and colors of the leaves inspired abstract patterns that are incorporated into the design.