Story Behind This Mural
Artist Statement
Often, when presented with a space to interact with, the shape and size of the wall can sway how I approach the design; this was certainly the case with the wall in St. Thomas. Being over 200ft long and nearly 16ft tall at the highest point, I wanted to separate the narrative so that if the viewer only caught one portion of the wall, they could still interact with the piece. It always excites me to get a new challenge, and this wall was undoubtedly that. Thinking about distinct stories and relating them to how we live in this fast-paced world, I wanted to approach my artwork by simplifying complex challenges into a compelling, simple message accompanied by a minimal yet striking color palette.
Most of humankind is connected through technology on this planet we call home. Leaning on this reality, I wanted to take this idea of global connection and adapt it into a narrative that raises awareness around ocean conservation and environmental stewardship. I kept the subject matters quirky and friendly, characteristic of my recognizable artistic style,
yet somehow subliminal so that the viewer would take the time to think about the message while putting a smile on their face as they pass by on their daily commutes.
The characters are representations of a variety of significant contemporary environmental challenges; however, they are delivered in a family-friendly, approachable, and inviting fashion that pays tribute to the succinctness of emojis. Addressing topics such as sea level rise, species protection, renewable energy, and the importance of peace and mindfulness, I ask the viewer to