Notable Real Illusions projects include the residence of John Malkovich, offices of Larry Flynt Publications, exterior murals on Hollywood Wax Museum and the offices of the American Institute of Architects, to mention a few.
One masterful Real Illusions technique, Neguro Nuri, is an ancient Japanese method using about 12 layers of wet-sanded paint and varnish.“It’s very messy—you are working in a pool of water,” says Jo. At Hollywood’s Geisha House Restaurant, the red is sanded away, revealing the black behind and creating a stunning effect. Jo describes it as “an illusive process.”
Recently, one of Real Illusions’ most challenging projects was the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. As Jo explains, the chosen technique of oil parchment required a high degree of precision. “The oil glaze application on this 75 foot high by 75 foot wide wall had to be applied in one continuous pass,” she details. “It required coordinating 12 artisans with speed and accuracy.”
The result is nothing short of real.
