In the fall of 2020, the stars aligned for me to paint a mural in Flint Michigan. A few of the star-aligners were Lindsey and Simone of Beauty & Brawn, and Flint Public Art Project’s Joe Schipani. We started with an exchange of photos depicting possible locations. Out of the options, one building stood out:
It was a big, flat, monochromatic sprawl that had seen better days. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted to paint it turning gold. Joe and the building owner were open to the idea and after a couple back and forths, we had our composition and story for the piece.
Time to get started:
A really fun bonus to the week was getting to stay at Joe and Phillip’s house. They were amazing hosts, always kept us fed… and after a long hard day in the sun we’d all hang out on the porch and talk until it was time for bed. The menagerie of animals would come take turns getting pet. Pebbles would curl up in my lap and if I was lucky, Leo would come say hi.
Here are a few pictures of the finished mural “The Midas Touch”.
I’m very drawn to paradoxes. The story of Midas wonderfully illustrates how something can be both a blessing and a curse:
When King Midas was offered a wish as a reward from the god Dionysus, he wished to transform anything he touched to gold.
He touched a twig and rock and both transformed. Excitedly, he hurried around his garden turning every rose gold. Wanting to celebrate, Midas ordered his servants put on a feast. His mood quickly changed as food became inedible in his hands, and attempting to comfort his daughter transformed her into a golden statue.
I got to spend 5 days in Flint and made a handful of new friends. Everyone I met there was open and kind. I'm so grateful for Beauty & Brawn connecting me with Joe Schipani and Flint Public Art Project. I’m proud of the piece we left behind, and looking forward to my next visit. Cheers and thank you to everyone involved!