Marcio's Murals

La Différence

2011-07-31T01:27:00.000-07:00

Les 9 et 10 juillet 2011, j’ai travaillé sur une grande toile à la Galerie Montcalm avec la collaboration de plusieurs créateurs.

Le thème de la toile « La Différence », a un rapport direct avec l’idée d’être unique, spécial.

Les participants ont bien réussi à exprimer leur sens d’individualité. Le résultat est une série d’images bien intégrées dont la fluidité et le sens d’équilibre sont très présents.

Bravo à tous !!

Merci Beaucoup!!

Marcio Melo

Le Lab

2011-07-31T01:26:00.000-07:00

Les 28 et 29 juin 2011, j’ai travaillé avec les jeunes adultes du LAB sur un projet de peinture murale.

La peinture été réalisé sur une série de quatre toiles de 40 X 40 pouces.

L’idée du thème “Au Long de la ligne réfléchie”, invite les participants à exprimer des images venant de leur propres univers personnels.

Le résultat est une série de toiles qui communiquent un sens très fort d’unicité et de collaboration entre eux.

Bravo aux jeunes du Lab !!

Marcio Melo

Mountainview Elementary School 2011

2011-06-07T01:40:00.001-07:00

On May 17, 18 & 19 I worked on a Mural Project at Mountainview Elementary in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec.

It’s my third visit to this school and this time I worked on a series of lockers beautifully primed in white.

The lockers were placed right beside a previous mural, and the Principal, Mrs. Miller, and I agreed to work on them as a continuation of what was on the wall.

The mural and the lockers are both divided in two levels by a long horizontal wavy line. I drew all the details above the line while the students worked on spaces under the line sitting on the floor.

When it was time to pick a song for the video, the students suggested “On the Floor” by Jenifer Lopez, which was a perfect choice for it, giving the nature of the activity.

I had a great time working in this school as always.

The students did beautiful things on the theme of Nature.

Enjoy it,

Marcio Melo

Gardenview Elementary School

2011-05-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

and&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

On May 3rd, 4th and 5th I worked on a mural project with grade 2 students from Mme. Gauthier’s class at Gardenview Elementary School in Montreal.

It’s the first time I worked with acrylic on a ceramic wall and I have to say that I like the result.

The theme for the mural was “Our Garden/ Notre Jardin” and the students displayed a vast number of animals, flowers and plants both from reality and fantasy worlds.

I chose the song “Wildflower” for the obvious connection to the theme but was also pleased to find out it matched the students dance perfectly.

I’m very pleased with the result.

Merci to Mme. Gauthier and Bravo to all the great little artists!!

Marcio Melo

Souvenir Elementary School

2011-05-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

On March 30, 31, April 01 I worked on a mural project in Souvenir Elementary school in Chomedy / Laval.

The mural was done on a beautiful, bright white staircase and the theme chosen was “Peace by Peace We Succeed”.

The students came up with images that reflected some of the values emphasized in the school such as positive environment implying respect, responsibility and readiness. There are many drawings displaying the importance of sharing and interacting with nature and our fellow human beings.

In the background drawing for this mural I also included a vast number of varied peace signs all along the bottom of the steps, which complements the message, “Peace by Peace We Succeed”.

The students suggested the theme song “Forever” for the mural and came up with some very cool steps .

I’m very pleased with the result and I hope you enjoy the video.

Marcio Melo

Sherbrooke Elementary School 2011

2011-05-14T22:37:00.000-07:00

On April 27, 28 and 29 I was in Sherbrooke, Quebec working on a mural project at Sherbrooke Elementary School.

We had a group of 20 students and seven pieces of plywood to paint. The theme of the mural was “Beautiful Things in Life”.

Each piece of plywood had to be divided in three parts in order to accommodate three students. I decided to draw two vases with flowers on each, creating this division and honouring at the same time, flowers, butterflies and birds as great examples of such things.

At the end of the project I asked the students to dance for the video. They came up with these very energetic moves which led to the song “Let’s go Crazy” from Prince.

The result is really a lot of fun - an ultimate mixture of Joy and Beauty.

Bravo to all the wonderful artists / dancers from Sherbrooke Elementary School that I had the chance to work with.

Marcio Melo

Sinclair Laird Elementary School

2011-05-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

On April 5, 6 and 7 I worked on a mural project at Sinclair Laird Elementary School in Montreal.

I had the great pleasure of working with Drama Teacher Vicki Theophilopoulos and together we came up with the theme “One Love, One Community”.

The mural was done on plywood and I created a background of buildings that evoked different cultures in order to reflect the diverse background of the students participating.

Vicki did a fantastic job preparing the students for the video - they went as far as selecting costumes and props together for the the chosen Beatle’s song.

I truly love the result and I’m very proud of the students and the teacher for being so engaged in this project.

Thank You and Bravo !!!

Marcio Melo

Jules Verne Elementary School

2011-04-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

On March 15, 16 and 17, 2011, I worked on a mural project at Jules Verne Elementary School in Duvernay, Laval.

I had the collaboration of a great teacher, Anna-Maria Bondi for this project and we agreed on a theme of undeniable importance for the times we are living - Perseverance, Enlightenment and Higher Learning.

This beautiful, philosophical and encompassing theme was translated into images that had to do with light. Be it a planet, a star, candles, angels or lighthouses. Be it spiritual or physical, any image evoking a relationship with light was to be relevant.

The students came up with their own interpretations of this concept and the result is this very interesting, uplifting and joyful video.

The song “Here Comes the Sun” from the Beatles couldn’t be more perfect.

Enjoy It !!

Marcio Melo and the students of Hadley Junior High School paint a mural - Teacher's Cut

2011-04-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

This is another version of the video for Hadley Junior High School of the painting mural project done on February 22, 23 and 24, 2011.

I chose a different song this time, more alive and fitting to reveal how much fun the had.

Enjoy it!!!

Les écoles Albatros et Des Roseraies

2011-04-03T23:48:00.001-07:00

Les 9, 10 et 11 Mars 2011, j’ai travaillé aux écoles Albatros et Des Roseraies’ avec un groupe d’environ 20 élèves.

Le thème de la murale était l’environment et l’importance des actions positives pour le proteger.

Pour ce video j’ai choisi la chanson “Les Etoiles Fillantes” de Les Cowboys Fringants. C’est une chanson que nous parle beaucoup de la fragilité de la vie et l’impermanence des choses, ayant un rapport direct avec le besoin de prendre soin de la nature dans le moment present.

Les élèves ont tres bien travaille dans cette murale et j’ai dit “Bravo a touts”!!

Marcio

Hadley Junior High School

2011-03-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

On February 22, 23 and 24 I worked on a mural project at Hadley Junior High School in Gatineau.
This is my first time working in this school collaborating with art teacher Kay Kerman.

In the beginning we were going to work on a mural depicting the school activities and values.

The students had made several drawings prior to my arrival. While some of these drawings related directly to the theme, others were freer expressions of nature and animals and I felt naturally more inspired by them.

While staying in Ottawa I saw this great outdoor mural at the Museum of Nature. I really liked the images of the mammoths and the running deer depicted on it and somehow these images stayed in my mind.

I also looked through some books of aboriginal art while working in class with Sylvia Bretzloff in my previous project.

When I started drawing on the wall, creating frames in which the students would later place their images, the first thing that came to my mind was the image of the deer as a frame. From this first image everything else started to unfold.

Working in the schools for these past ten years has taught me a lot about myself. In a moment when I wasn’t so sure about what to draw I ended up stepping into a new language which is something really exciting for me.

Back in class, after finishing the drawing on the wall ,we decided to suggest to the students the possibility of making a mural where the aboriginal aspects of drawing would be highlighted such as the flatness of the images, the tendency to ornate it with abstract motifs, the spiritual dimension of these expressions. I found myself saying to the students in a impromptu way that these drawings seemed to possess a universal quality that we could all relate to from the depths of our hearts. Being partly Brazilian native from my mother side I recognized this intrinsic connection in myself.

The students went on to make these great images of animals and native wild life. I think they were also surprised to find out they had this intuitive knowledge and capacity of expression in themselves.

I chose the song “Ñaumu” from the album “Ihu / Todos Os Sons” by Marlui Miranda for this video. It’s the music of the Yanomani Natives of Roraima in Brazil.

The song depicts an ancestral ceremonial dialogue practiced in various feasts and encounters when they exchange goods and news. They are the interpretations of cordial mannerisms, and has as its purpose to tighten the lassos which unite their peoples.

It’s a perfect way to honour the values of respect and collaboration highlighted in this project, which we truly lived while working on the wall for three days. Congratulations to the students!!

I hope you’ll enjoy it!!

Marcio Melo

Symmes Junior High School 2011

2011-03-12T17:06:00.000-08:00

On February 16, 17 and 18 I worked on a mural project at Symmes Junior High in Gatineau.

I’ve done several murals in this school and they are the proud results of a collaboration with art teacher Sylvia Bretzloff.

This time we worked on a mural called “Le Paysage du Quebec“.

Sylvia spent a long time researching images that she thought would be appropriate to represent Quebec, but I have to say we worked in a very spontaneous way together, selecting more or less on the spot what we thought would be right.

She would show me the images and I would draw them on the wall. As it progressed I thought it would be interesting to leave these images in their natural state as line drawings, without having to paint them afterwards.

The students were very well prepared for this project. As I drew the images of Quebec on the wall I also left big empty spaces to be filled with their work creating the effect of stain glass windows as frames for their paintings.

They chose to portray the beauty and the variety of the wild life of Quebec as well as some historical scenes and folktales.

The juxtaposition of these beautifully crafted paintings and the rawness of the drawings depicting Quebec, created a mural that exudes a more contemporary feel to it. I’m proud once more for what was accomplished in this collaboration with Sylvia.

I chose the song “Corrrigan – Laundry” from Au Tour du Flageolet by Daniel Roy. This is a fantastic album of traditional Quebec music worth listening to many times. I’d like to thank Daniel Roy and Mario Gervais, one of great musicians on this album, for allowing me to use this song on the video.

To all the students I say, “You guys are great, keep up the good work!!!”

Marcio Melo

Hull Adult Education Centre

2011-02-13T23:06:00.000-08:00

On February 8 and 9 I worked on a mural project at The Hull Adult Education Centre.

The students decided on the theme of “Nature”. As the project advanced it was clear that we were dealing with nature in a mythical sense and therefore the title "Sharing the Mythical Forest“.

I chose the song “Shine” from Ricky Martin for the video. I enjoyed the lyrics who emphasised the importance of living in the present moment and making the best out of it, which I think is a perfect metaphor to the art of Painting.

As a final result the mural shows that there’s space for both individual and collective expressions when we’re able to work inside the frame of collaboration and mutual respect.

This was a great group to work with and I hope they are proud of what they accomplished. Congratulations!!!

Marcio Melo

L’école St-Joseph

2011-02-13T22:40:00.000-08:00

J’ai travaillé avec les élèves de l’école St-Joseph les 26, 27 et 28 janvier.

Le thème choisi pour cette murale était la nature. Les élèves ont fait plusiers dessins colaboratives et ausitot que j’ai les vu, j’ai compris q’on pourrai peut-être adopter un theme plus spécifique. On a alors décidé pour le thème "Les visages de la nature".

Les élèves ont étés excellent pendat les trois jours de travail et le resultat est fascinant. Bravo!!!

St. Dorothy Elementary School

2011-01-17T10:18:00.001-08:00

On November 23, 24 and 25 I worked on a mural project at St-Dorothy School in Montreal.

This project took place at the local library. Considering this choice of location, the students were given the broad theme of reading to came up with images for the mural.

After the first day of exercises in class, it became clear that fairy tales ranked high in the students minds.

The mural is therefore an homage to castles, princesses, animals and the world of dreaming and imagination.

The result is indeed very inspiring.

Congratulations!

Marcio Melo

Noranda School

2010-06-07T22:32:00.001-07:00

On May 18, 19, 20 I worked on a project at Noranda School.

It was my second project at this school and the first one to become a great video.

The mural was done in the Cafeteria. I made a background of different size squares composing a sort-of cubist table.

The theme was about healthy living and the importance of eating well. The students came up with great renditions of food in a variety of bright colours.

The table turned out to be a great visual feast!!

Bravo Noranda School!

Marcio Melo

Westmount Park School

2010-05-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

From May 4th to 6th I worked at Westmount Park School in Montreal.

This mural was done on four sheets of plywood to be later installed on the walls.

The theme for the mural was "Heroes" and as you can see, there are many great ones on display. They range from historical figures such as Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Gandhi, to family members such as mothers, fathers and aunties.

The result is amazing!!! Great work!!

École de l'Éveil

2010-04-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Les 27, 28 et 29 avril j'ai travaillé a lécole de l'Éveil à Saint-Nerée de Bellechasse, Québec.

Ce projêt n'a pas eu un thême en particulier, mais le désir d'exprimer par des images la beauté de la nature et l'importance de l'école et sa communauté sont bien presentent.

Les élèves ont crées des trés beaux personnages. Les couleurs de cette murale sont un peut plus pales que d'habitude grace à la suggestion de la directrice de l'école, Mme. Fillion, qui souhaitent crée pour ses éleves une atmosphère de paix et d'harmonie.

J'ai pensé qu'on a bien reussi!!

Bravo les élèves!!

Sherbrooke Elementary School

2010-04-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

From April 20 to 22 I worked at Sherbrooke Elementary School.

It's my third project in this School and this time the idea was to create a mural on plywood that later would be installed in the Cafeteria .

I decided to draw a frame of food group items creating at the same time individualized spaces where the students would later place their images.

They seem to have had a lot of fun in this project and explored the theme to the fullest, such as people made out of fruits and vegetables as one of the ideas.

It's always a pleasure coming to this school where the staff is so supporting and encouraging.

I'm very pleased with the final result.

Great work!!

St. Francis Elementary School

2010-03-26T23:23:00.000-07:00

From March 24th to 26th I worked at St-Francis Elementary in Richmond, Quebec.

The mural was placed on a very interesting curving wall close to the entrance to the School.

Teacher Louise Boudreau explained the students were learning about the importance of composting and were wishing for a mural that would highlight this concern.

They worked in class the first day and made these very interesting works on paper that you can actually see in the video.

As it happens in many projects these ideas flourished and came to represent not only a concern for composting but for the well being of our environment also.

The students participated very well in this project. It's great to see when they hold hands at the end forming a beautiful circle.

Great work, great inspiration!!!

Écoles St. Philippe et Mond"Ami

2010-03-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Les 16,17, 18 et 19 mars 2010, j'ai travaille aux écoles St-Phillipe et Mond'Ami à Trois-Rivières avec la participation de 156 élèves de ces deux écoles.

Le thême de la murale était " La Difference ". Dans la murale on voit une serie des personnages imaginaires des caracteristiques tres uniques. A cote de ces personnages j'ai crée des éspaces vides pour qui les enfants puissent aussi dessiner dedans. .Le résultat est vraiment tres beau car l'interieur de ses éspaces sont remplis avec les dessins des élèves.

C'est un projet vraiment touchant car il montre au même temps la beauté et le défis d'être different dans le monde, soit a l'interieur de nous mêmes ou a l'exterieur des nos apparences.

J'appris récement que ce projêt a gagné un prix culturel de sa Comission Scolaire. Le comité a été charmé par la cooperation, l'integration des 2 écoles, la fraicher de la murale et la continuité potencielle de cette ouevre dans le futur.

Je suis tres fier de ce projet ! Bravo !!!!!

John F. Kennedy High School

2010-03-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

Building a better community - Catch the spirit

From March 10th to 12th I worked at John F. Kennedy High School on a project called

Building a better community - Catch the spirit.

The mural was done on three sheets of plywood to be later installed on one of the major walls of the school.

This project was done with the collaboration and planning of art teacher Barbara Gayles. Images were researched and selected prior to my arrival at the school. They represented some of the main events and community activities with which the students had had some involvement. These events included Remembrance Day, The Olympics in Vancouver and the Haiti earthquake relief.

This is my third project at JFK. I'm very proud of these students for the patience and dedication.

Great Job!

General Vanier School

2010-03-05T23:54:00.001-08:00

From February 24th to 26th I worked at General Vanier School on a mural project called Healthy Body, Healthy Mind.

This project took place in the lunchroom and had 24 participants.

The theme is vast and it ranges from sports to reading, from physical activities to anything that involves the use of imagination. On the first day in class the students were given these themes and came up with a variety of interesting choices. There was a great emphasis on eating well, which is very appropriate considering that the mural is in the lunchroom. Lots of fruits and vegetables, isn't that great?

I drew the top part of the mural where we see a series of bodies in movement: Skiing, running, playing, dancing....

The students were great and seem to have had a lot of fun. They were not afraid to express themselves, therefore you'll see some interesting moves on the painting floor !!

I say bravo and keep up the good work!!

Marcio

Lake of Two Mountains High School

2010-02-12T23:18:00.000-08:00

From February 3 to the 5th, 2010 I worked on a project at Lake of Two Mountains High School in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec.

When I arrived at the school on the first day the students were already busy doing sketches in preparation for the mural. The theme was nature and, more specifically, animal life.

These students were very involved in this project to the point of having discussed the composition and final details of the piece prior to it's execution.

I suggested the use of a colorful background to highlight their creations. The animals were placed inside these spaces.

It was amazing to see this project grow to it's final conclusion!

I'm proud of this group for their single minded sense of dedication. Cheers!!!!!!!

École St. Joseph

2010-01-25T00:25:00.000-08:00

Les 19, 20 et 21 janvier 2010, j'ai travaillé à l'école St-Joseph à Ville D'Anjou. Le thème de la murale etait la nature. C'est un thème fascinant en ce sens qu'il permet de choisir des images faisant déjà partie du répertoire des élèves. Nous avons fait plusieurs exercices collaboratifs en classe.

Le resultat est un travail où l'on voit plusiers personnages, realistes et imaginaires, qui partageant le même espace. Il faut dire merci à la nature pour sa présence, soit à l'exterieur, soit à l'interieur de nous-mêmes, et pour l'inspiration qu'elle nous apporte! Bravo!

Marcio Melo

Mountainview Elementary School 2010

2010-01-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

On January 13, 14 and 15, 2010, I worked on a mural project at Mountainview Elementary School in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec. This was my first project of the season and I really liked it!

The Mural was done on a series of lockers that were beautifully primed on white.

I decided to compose my background drawing taking in consideration the fact that these lockers create both a sense of continuity ( when the doors are closed) or isolation ( when the doors are open).

The result is a series of framed spaces where the students placed their images, emphasizing their individuality.

The filming of the Video provided the students with innumerable acting possibilities. When the doors are open ,the lockers create an accordion effect allowing the students to go in or come out of it, creating these interactive spaces.

The music used in this video is absolutely wonderful and create a sense of timelessness around this experience. I hope you'll enjoy it!

Marcio Melo

St. Paul School

2009-05-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

On May 19, 20 and 21, I worked on a mural project at St. Paul School in Duvernay, Laval, Quebec. This was my last project for the season and I really enjoyed it.

Prior to my arrival the School had a contest were the students had to come up with images to fit the theme of “Give, Grow and Achieve”.

The art teacher Marie-Claire Deschênes, who appears in the video briefly at the end, handed me this folder containing very interesting drawings in pencil. From there it was very easy to continue. The students made these wonderful collaborations that you see in the beginning of the video. For the mural itself I decided to create these floating spaces like sheets of fabric hanging in the air being held by birds and a cats tail. In them you see the words “Give”, “Grow”, “Achieve” written in blue.

Because the students were selected with such care for this project, I though it would be important to feature them all individually. In the end we were all dancing including the Art Teacher and myself. It was really a lot of fun!!

I’m very proud of the students, they worked very, very well and the result is beautiful.
I’d like to say great thanks to Mary, a parent who volunteered to help me for the three days of work.

I hope you’ll all enjoy it!!

Lindsay Place High School

2009-05-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

On May 13,14 and 15 I worked on a mural project in Valois, Quebec at Lindsay Place High School.

The project was organized with the participation of the art teacher Rima Moushaghayan who had the students prepare drawings in advance to be placed on the mural. This simple task often gives very good results considering that the students will approach the idea of drawing on the wall with more confidence.

The location of the mural, whose theme was “Painting for the Arts”, was very strategic in the sense that it is located at the steps leading to the auditorium. The auditorium is the place were art and music related activities take place. In fact, all through the time we were painting we could hear very interesting renditions of classical music.

The students were very quiet and worked very well as you can see in the video.

“Mr. Tambourine Man” done by Bob Sinclar, chosen for the video, couldn’t be more appropriate. Enjoy it!!!

Mountainview Elementary School

2009-05-11T17:44:00.000-07:00

On May 4, 5 and 6 I worked on a Mural at Mountainview Elementary School in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec.

The theme for this mural, “Mountainview Cares”, reflects the students concern for the environment. This is a very current topic for a mural and what I like about it is the possibility to portray nature and it’s richness. Images of trees, animals, flowers and planets are very present in children’s art and this is the time to show it.

The result is a very fluid group of drawings floating on the white space of the wall. The students worked by themselves or in groups of two creating a work of art to remind us of the beauty of our planet and the importance of caring for its well being.

The song “It’s a beautiful day” is very reassuring of our efforts to protect it.

I’m proud of the students who worked on this wonderful project!!

Jules Verne Elementary School

2009-05-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

On April 29, 30 and May 1st I worked on a mural at Jules Verne Elementary School in Laval Quebec. Learning that the school was named after the man who wrote “Around the World In 80 Days” immediately made me want to explore images that would evoke exotic places in the world of imagination. It’s a wonderful thing to work on a mural where the students have total freedom to express their creativity. The main question in this project was the most basic and fundamental one, “What do you like to draw?”

The result is an interesting interaction of spaces where drawings are placed inside shapes of castles and animals creating an opportunity to explore further possibilities - a true invitation to a journey of unexpected discoveries!!

The song Octopus’s Garden set the tone for some great choreography! Enjoy it!!

Shawinigan High School

2009-04-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Shawinigan High School – “I Belong –I Learn”

Working on this mural was a great experience in the sense that, as the mural developed, I was able to witness a very high level of interaction among the students. They worked in groups of two and their images reflect the activities and subjects of the school, from Academics to Sports, Arts and Drama.

The mural is located in the Games Room and the great, green pool table immediately inspired me to do something similar. A long shaped background drawing with legs like a table, displaying a variety of flowers and plants in vases placed above it.

The students also paid attention to the fact that their designated spaces to paint were separated by colours. They took great care of these transitions, drawing things that would pass from one side to another, interacting with each other.

I think they were pleased with the experience, it couldn’t be otherwise considering how hard and well they worked. I’m proud of them.

Congratulations !!!!

Sherbrooke Elementary School

2009-03-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

On February 24 to 26, 2009 I did a mural with the students of Sherbrooke Elementary School, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada on the theme of Healthy Lifestyles. The mural was located on a staircase connecting the gym to the cafeteria, thus it offered the reason to explore ideas that would relate to both. On the first day in class we did a series of exercises on paper. Many of the drawings made by the students reflected the importance of eating well to stay healthy as well as exercising.

It's the first mural I've worked on that emphasizes both these concerns which I think are extremely important to all of us.

L'école de la Petite Bourgogne

2009-03-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Les 18, 19 et 20 fevrier j'ai travaillé à l'école de la petite Bourgogne à Montréal. Le thème de la murale etait "Personnages de la Terre". C'est un thème fascinant en ce qui concerne l'utilisation de la forme humaine et de ses innombrables variations. On a fait plusieurs exercices collaboratifs en classe. Des visages humains aux traits variés executés par les multiples mains des élèves. Le résultat trés touchant reflètent un monde oú les differences se rejoignent pour creer un nouveau sense d'harmonie.

Les personnages ont été dessinés sur les casiers de l’ecole. Chaque élève a crée son propre personnage en etablissant une relation directe avec le concept d'etre bien autant que d’etre unique, dans un monde diversifié. Ils ont trés bien réussi et le resultat est surprenant!!

Symmes Junior High School

2009-03-15T17:15:00.000-07:00

I have worked with the art teacher of Symmes Junior High on several murals. It is always a great pleasure working with such motivated and well prepared students. She always chooses exciting and challenging themes that inspire me, in this case "Dali meets Gaudi.

I have been to Spain many times and am familiar with the work of both artists, nevertheless I have to confess I was a bit nervous with the task of providing a framework where drawings made by the students would be placed. The first series of drawings that appear in the video were made by me in a attempt to marry both styles and imageries into one. Later on, when I was drawing on the wall, I finally let go and surrendered to a more spontaneous way of drawing, collaborating with the art teacher who would show me images and discuss the possibilities of using them.

The students had been very well prepared for this project. They had studied both artists and been able to absorb their influences. Combined with their own interpretations of what Dali or Gaudi is about, they were able to accomplish something of great personal relevance. I'm proud of them for that!!

I have put together a video that gives an idea of the experience.

St. Johns School

2009-03-15T16:49:00.000-07:00

On the 4th, 5th and 6th of February I spent 3 days with the students of St. Johns School in St. Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec, and we created a mural about food in the schools cafeteria. It's the first time I worked on a mural with such a theme and I thought the experience was very refreshing. The intention was to draw and paint, taking in consideration all the different food groups available and portray them in their most attractive state. We wanted to be able to call the mural "Food, Glorious Food" and I think we succeded. It was a great experience considering the physical challenges of the mural - some of students had to go on tables to paint the higher parts of the wall while others had to work very carefully under the tables.

While I usually take many pictures of the projects, I purposely took a few videos which with my friend Ted's help we turned into a nice little video. The recording was very spontaneous but the group of students were so cohesive and related so well to one another that the result could only be great. I think it is!!!

Hello, Bonjour, Bom Dia

2009-03-03T00:30:00.000-08:00

Hello, Bonjour, Bom Dia.

My name is Marcio Melo.

I am an artist, a painter living and working in the countryside near Ottawa, Canada. I grew up in Brazil and moved to Canada in 1987.

Over the past seven years I have conducted over 75 Mural Workshops with students of schools across Quebec and in Ontario, and am actively working on more.

Friends have encouraged me to share some of the results They can all be seen on my website http://www.marciomelo.com/Murals/ArtinSchools.htm. But I think there is a lot more to the projects than a picture. I hope to fill you in on some of the rest on this page.

Thank you for your time, and you are very welcome.

Marcio