MJ Atelier run by Maria Apelo Cruz and husband Mike Jovanovic is a studio that hand makes large
scale bas relief sculptural wall art. Based in Los Angeles but working internationally the studio has
worked for such clients as Warner Bros, HBO and Dreamworks as well as some of the best interior
designers in the industry. Maria Apelo Cruz and her team are at the forefront of innovative custom
made wall coverings and have partnered up with us here at Artelier to offer these designs
internationally.
Maria Apelo Cruz is highly trained in figurative old master painting and sculpture techniques, her
designs often being traditional motifs such as florals, tropical leaves, and perched peacocks. The
plaster relief technique used gives a subtle three-dimensional texture to an otherwise flat surface.
Patented Plaster Relief Technique
MJ Atelier has developed a patented plaster relief technique which means that her team can work in
the studio and ship the wall coverings worldwide. Because rolled plaster cracks, traditional plaster
workers would have had to be standing within the project site to create this kind of bas-relief artwork.
The new innovative technique has meant that the work can be carried out in the studio and then
rolled up and shipped internationally, without having to be standing on site for weeks or months
creating the work.
Her design style can adapt to any home interior but lends itself particularly well to traditional homes. If
you enjoy that classical timeless aesthetic the team has extensive experience in creating this type of
motif.
Kips Bay Show House Installation
Behind the scenes, this oversized wall covering was prepared in the studio featuring an abstract
design in midnight blue with gold gilding. The wall covering was completely rollable and could be
transported and installed in one piece onto the stairwell it was designed for.
The final design fit perfectly into its environment custom-designed to mirror the carpet and spiral stairwell of the 2017 Kips Bay show house - an exclusive interior design showcase that takes place every year in the United States.
For the 45th annual Kips Bay Show House MJ Atelier opted for this black and white design, you can see
here the beautifully detailed work, each flower petal was hand applied. Because every design is bespoke