Lazure
A spiritual faux finish?
Though its roots date back to the mid-1800s, the Lazure method of painting just recently caught
our attention when Marti Chitwood was in the throes of opening the Viriditas Rejuvenation Center
at the chic and trendy V Health Club and Gym in Charleston.
Chitwood brought in Lazure-method expert John Stolfo from Chicago to paint the walls of her new
business. Chitwood felt Lazure was a perfect fit for her wellness center since the affect is
reported to be an aesthetic finish that encourages physical healing and stress relief.
"The only way I can explain it is that when people spend time in a Lazure-painted space they
begin to feel better. It's not simply a faux-type finish. It elicits a positive experience,"
says Chitwood.
As Charleston-based photographer Ed Coyle puts it, "If an all-white space is 'the white box'
then Lazure is definitely like walking into a 'warm marshmallow.' "
The Lazure painting method employs several layers of wash-glazes applied with large brushes
in a rhythmical motion. The final result is said to allow light to pass through and reflect
back to the human eye, producing a "pure color experience." According to adherents of Lazure,
monotone or flat colors tire the eyes while variation of hue and tone stimulate and balance
our sight.
Lazure paint is comprised of beewax, milk protein, tree resin, and essential plant oils in a
water-based vehicle. Colors are produced from organic pigments like finely ground minerals
and semi-precious stones.
With 15 years experience in the field of nutrition and holistic wellness, Chitwood wanted to
harness the "wholesome and liberating" effect that Lazure is said to have on the human organism.
Apparently, Lazure wall treatments are showing up more and more around the country in offices,
restaurants, homes, schools, medical establishments and churches. To learn about Lazure and
see more of John Stolfo's work, visit www.lazurepainting.com.
by Denise Mullen
Coastal Carolina Home Styles
Spring 2005
