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Laurel Terrace
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Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina is a unique art studio. Owned by Steve
and Carol Daniels, Custom Creations specializes in hand
painted ceramic tiles, trompe l'oeil murals, and decorative painting of
furniture.
The husband-wife team often works on projects together; their talents are complimentary. This team effort leads to art that is distinctive and executed to suit the specific environments in which the art is displayed.
Custom Creations, as well as Steve's Architectural Rendering and
Development Graphics division, is located in the upper level of
Laurel Terrace on Highway 64 just east of the traffic light in the
center of Cashiers.
Steve and Carol Daniels welcome visitors to their studio to observe work in progress or to discuss ideas for custom projects.
Trompe l'oeil is French for "fool the eye." The idea is to produce a two-dimensional work of art that appears to be three-dimensional. An example is a window complete with an outdoor scene that looks as though one could walk right through and into the scene.
Both Steve and Carol Daniels create trompe l'oeil murals either directly on the wall or on special materials. Trompe l'oeil murals produced on movable panels lend themselves to placement wherever the mood of a room requires enhancement or periodic change.
The many uses of hand painted tiles are being rediscovered - murals,
table and counter tops, serving trays, fireplaces, or the preservation
of a child's art. Because of the nature of fired tiles, the art form
lends itself to being used outside as well as indoors.
The tile may be supplied by Custom Creations or by the customer. Carefully executed sketches are prepared for each project. After approval of the sketches and choice of colors, the artwork is painted on the tiles with china paints. The tiles are fired at carefully controlled temperatures (about 1,400°) 2 to 4 times to build up the proper color. Baking in the colors provides a finished piece of art that is very durable and waterproof.
Enhancing furniture with painted images was developed many centuries ago and has grown into an acknowledged art form. Custom Creations will discuss with you the various designs to be painted on your furniture so that the pieces will fit your decor.
Sketches are prepared of each project for the customer's approval before work is begun. Although Custom Creations does not strip and refinish, the furniture may be painted with a background color or a special antique glaze applied, including a worn look or crackle finish.
The choice and placement of decorative furniture provides a unique versatility that will enhance any decor.
Carol Daniels debuted as an artist in 1970 when she began as a decorative artist painting furniture. Carol's time as an artist and courses she has taken have given her the ability to be comfortable with oils and acrylics. Carol has developed several techniques for painting furniture so that the designs will fit the piece and that each work of art will stand the stress of time.
Carol has been china painting since 1975 and continues to learn by taking refresher courses under other functioning artists. Carol is able to duplicate a child's art on tiles or dinnerware to provide a charming keepsake. Carol has become a master at providing completed art using a small space; her tile art finds its use in serving trays, table tops, and other decorative-functional pieces, as well as in tile murals of any size.
Steve Daniels developed an interest in the arts during high school. On graduating, Steve entered the Air Force and specialized in aircraft illustrations for use in slide presentations, brochures, and books.
Steve designed and built museum exhibits for the state of North Carolina, including large murals and dioramas. Steve has developed techniques to portray the person with his aircraft. Steve is, by invitation, a member of the American Society of Aviation Artists.
The combination of Steve's drafting training, technical illustration experience, and his interest in the world around him are the tools he uses to present his art in a very realistic manner.
In 1988 Steve began to work with tile to produce murals. He realized that tile murals may be used to decorate areas likely to get wet like bathrooms and patio walls. The tile will survive where even acrylics will disintegrate.
Steve's eye for composition and detail led him to trompe l'oeil techniques. His choice of surfaces is eclectic - a wall, ceiling movable panel - any appropriate surface using wither oil or acrylic as required. He delights in producing a work of art that cannot be distingushed from the real.
Carol became interested in trompe l'oeil also. Together, Steve and Carol have developed a true art partnership in which they function to produce highly detailed, effective, life-like masterpieces and still retain the freedom to pursue their individual interests and styles.