Uchiko Houston
Commissioned by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and Hai Hospitality
In December 2021, designers from Michael Hsu Office of Architecture in Austin reached out about a project in Houston for Hai Hospitality and their new concept, Uchiko Houston. They sought to commission a series of paintings to create custom wall-covering and to shape a ceiling mural.
After we agreed on the source image, I produced a series of four paintings based on photographs I took in Naoshima, Japan, in 2017. High-resolution images of the paintings were used to craft the wall-covering installed behind the booths in the primary dining spaces. Additionally, Houston muralist Alfredo Montenegro used a section of my imagery and color palette to execute a hand-painted mural in the restaurant’s private dining room and mezzanine.
The project won multiple design awards for Michael Hsu Office of Architecture and was featured in Dezeen in 2022. Detailed images of the original painting and individual panels are below.
Uchiko Houston dining room below. Photo credit: Chase Daniel
My original photograph taken in the gardens outside of the Lee Ufan Museum in Naoshima, Japan that was the genesis for the series of commissioned panels. The gardens include over 300 species of plants also found in Monet’s garden in Giverny. Several of Monet’s Water Lillies paintings are housed in the museum.
Naoshima No. 19, 2022, acrylic on 4, 14 x 11 Clayboard panels, 14 x 45.5 overall.
The Commission Process
I have had the pleasure of collaborating with esteemed brands to create commissions for the hospitality, technology, and healthcare industries, as well as with individual collectors.
The commission process begins with a conversation to understand your vision and the story you want to tell. Typically, I submit a proposal with a selection of prospective images from my collection of photographs with pricing estimates based on the size and scope of the project. Once we agree on the details, I create a preliminary digital image for approval before I begin to paint. Throughout the painting process, I will provide progress images throughout the painting process.
To commission a painting or to learn more, please contact me.