Mural Gallery

(See mural photos below)

"The exciting and timely project, the redecoration of the Louisiana Governor’s residence, has come to be a most positive effort for the benefit of the people of our state. It is now a showplace that represents the talents and arts of Louisiana to local, national and international visitors.

"To be asked to participate in this auspicious undertaking was an honor and a privilege. I was asked to submit to the committee designs that I thought fitting for murals to be located in the entrance hall. I prepared scale elevations of the intended walls with renderings of a series of designs for the inspection of the committee. After several revisions and positive input from the committee, especially our First Lady Mrs. Foster, I began the work.

"Marouflage, or mural decoration, is an ancient aesthetic discipline that involves the mounting of large paintings on walls as a decorative element that is married to the architecture it inhabits.

"The natural proclivity for an artist in this situation is to seize it as an opportunity to express personal aesthetic convictions, but it soon becomes evident that the design of the mural must, above all, compliment the architecture and general decor of the building. It’s decorative and graphic strength must be subservient yet complimentary to the general theme.

"The entrance hall, with its north-south orientation, embraces three ample doorways. The north, leading to a grand circular stair hall, the east leading to the state dining room, the west to the main parlor, and the south doorway being the entrance through a vestibule into the building.

"I studied the views through the four doorways in order to take note of architectural and color elements that could be incorporated in the mural designs. This is important for a visual continuity and thematic integration.

"My plan was to use as the main theme, the flora and fauna of our grand state. Since the north-south orientation of the space, I chose in a general way to represent the four corners of the state. The two northern corners would suggest the Shreveport and Monroe areas, with rolling landscapes settling to a country scene, with magnolia, pine, and oak trees. The southern corners would stress lowlands with cypress marsh reaching toward the gulf and a Grand Isle beach scene including a view of Fort Livingston. The latter suggested by our Governor, Mike Foster. I would like to recall a most delightful excursion to Grand Isle, at our Governor’s urging, to study the area and to return with ample research for sea- birds, pelicans and the flora of our barrier islands.

"Throughout the mural I placed birds, creatures and sundry denizens to activate and enliven trees, shrubs and groupings of flowers.

"Above the two grand entrances to the parlor and the dining room, I placed two cartouches, one comprised of Louisiana flowers, and the other over the entrance to the dining room of fruits, vegetables and other produce of Louisiana. Of particular interest to me were the large leaves of Perique Tobacco that grow only in St. James Parish and nowhere else in the world. I strove to include our main industries such as oil, fishing and shrimping.

"I thought it would be interesting to have unobtrusive references to the six governors that have been in residence here, and I sought to devise symbolic elements pertaining to their tenure. I tried to place them strategically throughout the mural. I enjoyed placing lighthearted tidbits throughout for children to discover.

"I was privileged to do the work “En Situ” or in place, arriving at the mansion early in the morning and staying until some official function required for me to leave. Daily, I would set up my paints and other equipment with the help of a most forthcoming staff. The state trooper guards, without exception, were all most kind and helpful. I became acquainted with the governor’s staff, who were all gracious in their assistance to me. I would especially like to thank Irene, Sandy and Jane who during their busy days with matters of state always found time to help and advise me of the logistics of working in an area with a constant flow of visitors and important persons. The ample kitchen staff kept me sustained with libations fresh baked cookies and lovely impromptu lunches. I would also like to thank my special assistant Anne Atkinson Fitz-Hugh for her valuable help in the preparation of the beginning stages of the work. I am especially grateful to Carrie Mackie for her many recommendations and general consultation.

"My time spent in Baton Rouge was a most joyful period of my life. I am grateful beyond words and will cherish it always."
- Ausekils Ozols

Click on pictures for larger image and description.