"Blooming pomegranates of Tuscany" Plaster relief for Canto UWS

2014 Broadway, NYC, NY 10023

A hand-crafted plaster relief designed for Canto UWS (Upper West Side, NYC). The piece layers Tuscany-inspired pomegranate blossoms across a warm, textured field, then highlights select petals and stems with gold leaf. The artwork was engineered to sit on top of sound-insulating panels, so several elements were fabricated lightweight to protect the acoustic performance while keeping the sculptural depth and shadow play that make the wall come alive.

Design notes

  • Mood & motif: Mediterranean warmth; pomegranates as a symbol of abundance and hospitality.
  • Palette & sheen: Soft, natural venetian plaster tones with hand-applied gold leaf accents for a subtle glow under restaurant lighting.
  • Depth: Low-to-mid relief for elegant shadows without compromising seating circulation.

Design & fabrication: Feel Flow Space — Karina Smyrnova

Client: Canto UWS

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