I write a lot when I’m creating. It could be because I frequently over-examine subject matter. Or maybe because there is some uncertainty about the direction I want to go. Seeing my thoughts on paper seems less permanent and helps me sort out different concepts. This happens for me if I’m creating a graphic design piece, portrait or 50 foot mural. And if there is a moment for me to share about the work then I usually go back to my creative writing process. Public speaking is not an ambition of mine because I get very nervous when speaking in front of large groups. However writing down my thoughts makes it much easier.
The most recent mural I completed was for the Tacoma Public Library South Tacoma branch. This was an exciting project to work on because my connection to the library goes back several years. Besides going to the library during grade school and college I was introduced to the Northwest Room depository at the Downtown Tacoma branch in 1993. At that time I was researching historical facts about African American Pioneers in the Pacific Northwest, for my first series of portraits. Then in 2020, I displayed an online exhibit through the virtual Handforth gallery about my families connection to the Hilltop Tacoma neighborhood. The exhibit about my family was originally planned as an in-person show but then COVID 19 pandemic hit. So I had to pivot to an online experience that ended up being an intimate story telling opportunity. Having to plan a virtual experience challenged my normal community integrated approach. But the Zoom community sharing session surprisingly offered a unique opportunity people enjoyed. Seeking out and sharing knowledge is important to my work, it keeps my creative process going. When I spoke at the opening reception for the finished library mural I put together the notes and thoughts I had written down throughout the process, and this is what I shared.
“This mural is grounded in the library’s vision to be radically welcoming, and a trusted community hub where all people can find joy, compassion, and inspiration. In addition, the mural serves as a directional sign to help visitors find the library with a directional arrow as a marker and the word Library and in Spanish Biblioteca.
I wanted to create a design that excited the senses with vibrant color and movement, characters and elements that are inspired by the colors that you see in the foliage, and architecture of the native lands of the Asian and Pacific Islander. Colors that represent vitality, strength, and spirituality, themes that are shared and treasured in all cultures. The butterfly elements in the design represent our imagination and the transcendent power of the mind to take us to wonderful places, learn, grow, and transform.
The library has always been an important place in my life, and I believe it continues to be a gateway to different ways of learning and exploring the world. Reading and making connections through exploration, research and one-on-one engagement is an important socialization aspect of life. This eclectic way of learning intrigues us, we are dependent on it, and the open access to information empowers us to stay relevant in a fast-paced progressive world. My hope is that we stay open to a marriage of speed, efficiency, and personal connection so that our consumption of knowledge is truly fulfilled through interpersonal bonds.”
South Tacoma Library Mural, Tacoma WA, Photos by J Kinlow Photography