A "call to artists" post made me aware that a mural opportunity at the Atlas Street Garden
was available. I've not yet had too many opportunities to work outside
so I was very excited to see what an outdoor mural would entail. I did
some research on my painting materials, and noting this was outside in a
spot, I choose to go with a water based enamel over an oil. This would
both simplify my clean up and shorten my dry time. It was my lucky day
at Sherwin Williams as they were having a fantastic sale on the paints I
had planned to get on the day I was there. Since this mural was to be
Per Gratis for the Atlas Street Garden and the community, I was grateful
for the unplanned discount. I went for a simplified color scheme to
both emphasize the illustration quality of the work as well as to keep
my investment costs reasonable. Even if I typically enjoy working with a
full color palette, I felt this was a great situation to play with the
idea of "less is more".
First
the background went on. I choose a dynamic zig-zag pattern for the
mural. I wanted to bring something whimsical and friendly to the garden
space and neighborhood. I researched real life circus and trained
animals performing on wheeled contraptions and they were my inspiration.
The finished work became an animal parade (titled: Circus Wheels) with
circus animals bike riding and skating. Since the mural is in close
proximity to Recycle Bicycle, I felt this was a friendly nod to that
neighborhood group also.
It was a pleasure being able to bring this idea
to life and into the community at the Atlas Street Garden, and its my
sincerest hope all who happen upon it will enjoy having this impromptu
circus parade in your midst. One
of my favorite stars that inspired the mural was Jimmy, The Roller
Skating Horse. Yes, there really was a roller skating horse! Meet Jimmy.
I
do feel it is important for me to note that the idea of animals being
trained to perform, in the circus or otherwise, has become a hot topic
of discussion of late. Some find it exploitative. I fail to understand
how providing an animal with a job could be confused with a terrible
life? I am coming from a background working in animal training, most
notably with horses. It stands to be my position that it is necessary
for any animal living in domestic situation to have a job and/or purpose
that supports keeping an active, healthy mind. All animals, and
especially large intelligent animals, should have access to a life with
adequate mental stimulation. Work is an acceptable stand in for what an
animal would mentally have to deal with in a wild setting. Although its
nice to imagine all animals as wild a free, this is not possible in our
current world. As we continue to loose available environments where
animals can thrive naturally, the harder it is for them to make it in
this life, too. The best we can do as their human keepers is to provide
these special few animals who have found themselves in our lives with
good health, plenty of love and a purpose. That is as true today as it
was across history. It is my pleasure to celebrate the amazing talents
of animals and bring this rich history to the community for all to
enjoy, like the circus and animals has always have.
