At a time when people are staying home much more than usual, residents of one local luxury apartment community — Vela on Camelback — will soon be able to enjoy a one-of-a-kind mural created by one of their talented neighbors.
Local artist Jody Barrilleaux has been commissioned to create an expansive mural for the Vela on Camelback Apartments, 4949 N. 7th St., in Uptown Phoenix, where he also lives.
“Jody is quite literally an artist in residence,” said Tom Shelton, Principal with Shelton Residential, the management firm for Vela on Camelback. “We are thrilled to work with one of our own residents to create some joy through art for our residents and visitors at a time when everyone can use a little boost.”
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Barrilleaux has worked for many high-profile clients, including creating some blacklight art for basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal and paintings for restauranteur and celebrity chef Guy Fieri He has also been contracted by the U.S. Air Force for murals at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.
Barrilleaux began his career as a T-shirt airbrush artist and has since built an extensive collection of airbrush and acrylic paintings and murals. His work has been featured in many interesting places including on motorcycles, on boats, entertainment facilities, in private homes and even at the bottom of swimming pools.
The artwork at the Vela on Camelback complex will consist of a nearly 24-foot-long mural titled “Wind.” It is acrylic on canvas and is mounted to metal panels. In the mural, Barrilleaux brings his vision of “a calming, windy day – the leaves blowing in the wind.”
“You can almost hear the sounds quietly rustling. There’s so much intense emotion in this piece,” Barrilleaux said. “Peaceful and comforting.”
Created in his signature style of slowly flowing brush strokes in an impasto application, Barrilleaux’s trademark use of thick textures, earthy colors and line fluency create the magical Van Gogh feel.
“I’m extremely honored to be part of this beautification project for Vela on Camelback. I hope that my artwork can help to enhance the experience of living at what is already such a beautiful property,” Barrilleaux said.
Vela on Camelback is owned by an affiliate of Pacific Development Partners.
“The owners of Vela on Camelback are very happy to have supported a local artist who is also a resident at Vela on Camelback and to display a commissioned piece in our beautiful complex,” said Ron Recht, Principal with Pacific Development Partners.
With easy access to the light rail and its unique central Valley location, Vela on Camelback residents can explore some of Phoenix’s best and most notable restaurants, shops, attractions and nightlife in the upscale desert lifestyle overlooking Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak.
