Graffiti School...Can Control, Icons in the Street and other stuff

Today I want to start posting some of my art inspirations, and as I am studying mural techniques and the history of graffiti, I would like to start with innovator/street artist Krink. Some of his work with drips and how we he made his beginnings in San Francisco, New York and the Hawaii gallery scene can be see here...

Also, I have found many tips and tricks for CAN CONTROL, and am sending myself back to aerosol school. Paint reviews for Liquitex pro spraypaint and the awesome line of Montana products soon to come. Here is a cool Liquitex paint marker video...

Ogden School Mural Project...Fresh Paint for Vancouver 'Hood

Well, this awesome little project fell into my lap, thanks to the nice folks at The Clark County Mural Society. An amazingly energetic teacher and her fifth grade class have been studying the effect of publicly made mural art as a graffiti deterrent. Studies in other cities such as Washington D.C., Inner city Los Angeles and metro areas in Canada have shown the effect of large scale public art to be a positive one, positively impacting communities that are hard struck by poverty, reduced property values, and unemployment. These are shots of the proposed paint site; the building is approximately 10' x 100' and all patchwork with paint to cover 'tags'. A local family owned business owns the building, and graciously donated it to the mural's creation, which is highly visible on a busy freeway in Vancouver.

This is the beginning, I got an order in for a paint donation from Sherwin Williams and I do believe the design process is underway. The theme for the mural is awaiting input from the school's students, who have done various projects in their studies pertaining to local water quality of Burnt Bridge Creek, studies of green/ecologically sound ways to have an outdoor classroom and recycling methods and improvements to name a few. These kids are going to make a fantastic impact, and feel their hand at work at beautifying their environment, which is what it's all about. More soon! Here's the next stage that I did today, almost completely rolled out with primer. I have a bit more to cake on, and would love to start with a nice smooth thick coat. The sun was shining and it was PERFECT painting weather!

Don't let the sun-blindness induced smirk fool you; I couldn't be more excited about this project!

Columbian May 10, 2014 'Bits N Pieces' article on mural

It was so exciting to see this in print! What a journey this has been. Thank you to the school of Burnt Bridge Creek, the staff, students, donors public and private who helped this project along. Thank you to Stover for the coverage and wonderful article. The article can be found here: Columbian article May 2014 : Also here's some pictures courtesy of Nina Rauch, the school's yearbook photographer, neighbor and parent.

Meanwhile, work commences on the Mill Plain Elementary School Mural, a three part effort that includes total design renovation and a tribute mural to a long-retained employees son who passed before his time two years ago. In his name and likeness we are honoring his community minded spirit, love of sports and pursuit of greatness.

Also finished this spring: The Ray Hickey Hospice House mural in Vancouver, WA. These folks were so hospitable and it was a real joy to work in the location, meet some of the residents and families, and contribute some beauty to a place dedicated to long term care of others.