A Year in Murals – 2017 Wrap Up

It’s the time of year to stop and reflect on the adventures that fill our days
A pause to celebrate – and recalibrate – amid the holiday craze

My work is unique, but at the core, it’s no different from the rest
We show up each day without all the answers, wanting to do our best

It’s a wild ride for sure; who knows what will unfold?
Some projects need florescent pink and others, pale gold

Of the transformative power of mural art I simply have no doubt
I have no intention to let up until the paint runs out

Here are some highlights from my year, remember, they all will rhyme
But no guarantees on making sense or on keeping steady time

In 2017, I returned to Minted, to paint a very strange bird
Chiara joined me from Italy and cut my workload to one-third

I celebrated immigrants with my artwork at La Viga
I also attended a conference called Wisdom where I hung out with Niga Higa

After many years spent mastering the art of modest and frugal
It all went out the window after I got a gig at Google

Transforming schools continues to be at the top of my list
At Garfield, Springer and Oak, the white walls won’t be missed

Whenever I am on campus one question looms largest
The kids always ask me, “Are you a real artist?”

On a 280 foot long underpass the ocean flowed wild
Including on the ground, per a suggestion from a child

On an island in Portugal I took a deep pause
As the beauty of the island held me in awe

I’m excited to share with you a video that conveys Flores with depth and feel
You can watch the eye candy, a snack or enjoy the full meal
(Be sure to put on headphones when watching, the birdsong is unreal)

I was honored to paint in China a message of peace
Which is my wish for everyone, including birds and the bees

While public projects are exciting and might entice me to gloat
My residential clients were instrumental in keeping my business afloat

Every lull was filled with serendipitous connections
With projects that would beckon new creative directions

My social media efforts are loose; someday I’ll do better
My favorite way to connect is still my monthly newsletter

Thanks for being a part of 2017, a year of art monumental
I’m grateful for all your support, it has been instrumental.

Happy holidays to you and yours.