Painting Vitality: A call to admiring the Pacific Northwest’s Ecosystems + the value of color in our everyday lives
CLIENTS: Regional arts and culture council, miller paint
Opportunity
As part of the Regional Arts & Culture Council’s Going Public program, I was selected to create an independent mural following an exclusive series of professional training and mentorship sessions from RACC. The prompt, given by Miller Paint, centered on the theme of the color wheel, with a focus on creating work that resonates with local communities.
Approach
I used the color wheel not just as a formal element, but as a metaphor for environmental vitality. The 20' x 10' mural features vibrant lifeforms native to the Pacific Northwest—highlighting how color equals life in both the natural world and human experience. I referenced ecological issues such as coral reef bleaching, where color loss is a sign of collapse, tied to psychological impact of us losing vibrancy in our everyday environments. Using long-lasting exterior acrylics, the mural was designed to endure—and continue to spark curiosity and joy—in an urban setting.
Result
The final mural is located on the side of Miller Paint off NE Sandy Blvd, a fitting site for a piece rooted in the significance of pigment and perception. The work has become a colorful marker in the neighborhood, with many residents thanking me for its vibrancy!
Finished work, October 2022.
Hello! Says the Salmon
