Movement and lights

Lights and reflective surfaces are of huge interest for those with CVI.  Bringing them into the design is paramount!  Elijah likes the lighting and movement in fish tanks and mylar balloons.

First Draft Drawings

Drawing and concepts before I had a chance to learn in more detail about the "Simply Complex" Elijah!

Starting a design concept with the goal of having function, visual appeal, and be personalized.

Elijah and his family have a tremendous love and talent for music.  When Elijah was young his mother would sing a note and he would sing the same note back to her.  It was profoundly moving to listen to them.  Elijah's parents and brother singing to him is part of their life style.  He lights up when he hears a guitar.

Circles are a shape Elijah is familiar with.  Plus his mom loves polka dots.

Story Boarding

Story boarding is a great way to think through the painting of the walls, and considering the flow of the room.  It is a tremendous way to communicate likes, dislikes and make adjustments.

First Draft

 New color choices were adjusted based on research and conversations with the people who know Elijah best!  Standard Acrylic Paints from around my house were used to get the concept on illustration boards.  These were  shared with Mary, Elijah's mom, for approval.

Second Draft

Then we used Golden Paints ... can you see the difference?  The color clarity and bold saturation is remarkable!  This makes standard acrylics look a bit dingy.  I don't think I can ever go back.  I'm hooked on Golden paints.

The Magic Golden Paints  can do with their line of  Interference paints!!!

Day One:  The Base Coat  and Primer

Day Two: Transfer guitar designs on the wall, and blend colors on the neon green walls.

Day Three:  Start filling in the guitar, shade and top coat it with a golden glaze. Next fill in all 117 bubbles with a base coat of white.

Day Four:  Start blending on the south wall, getting it ready to for the music notes.  The bubbles have been shaded for depth.

Building a Bubble

Day Five: The guitar gets a second coat.  The South wall gets music.  Amazing grace is a song Mary sings to Elijah often, along with a meaningful Bible verse. The bubble wall near completion for Elijah's life size fish tank.

Enter the EL wire lighting!  Blue lighting along the ceiling and the strings of the guitar.  Up lighting for added effects.  Elijah loves lighting!

Sensory Room Story

By Michele Jenco

       Winter Semester 2017

                     Empire State College