Precipice

by Beau Stanton

Boston, USA – July 2021

Artist

Finding This Mural

This mural can be found on the side of the East Boston Fire Station. The best spot to view this mural is on South Bremen Street, or along the Mary Ellen Welch Greenway.

Boston Fire Department - District 1, Sumner Street, East Boston, Boston, MA, USA

Google Map

Story Behind This Mural

This mural was made possible with the support of the Trustees of Reservations’ One Waterfront Initiative

Artist Statement

“An illuminated wave crests at the height of the five story East Boston Fire Station partially obscuring a portrait of Donald McKay, a local historic figure who was world renowned for building the fastest ships of the mid 19th century. His most famous vessel, the Flying Cloud, is shown attempting to sail away from the impending threat while being nearly overtaken, suggesting that antiquated solutions cannot provide a way out of the climate crisis.

The image reminds us how our collective history is under threat of being washed away while McKay’s still visible right eye suggests our ability to imagine an alternate outcome. Do we have the vision to see our way to a sustainable future or will we all go down with the ship?”

— Beau Stanton

The Focus

Sea Level Rise

Action Steps

Support local ecosystems by:
• Reducing your carbon footprint.
• Advocate for conservation efforts, and voice your opinion to your town/city/state government and elected leaders
• Vote for the environment.
• Volunteer with a local climate action initiative