Make Anykine

World Wide Walls (formerly Pow Wow) is more than a mural festival. It connects the community to artwork that paves the way for ownership and pride. In underserved neighborhoods, the donated art brings new life and shifts the identity of being deprived to a public art space. It had been a few years of helping with graphics for the festival, Jasper Wong asked if I had ever painted a mural before. I laughed and told him no, as if the idea is out of this world. He offered to teach me and my mind was blown. In a world where I’m accustomed to creating graphics in line with an identity system, the idea of creating artwork for myself to be shared in a massive space is like searching for a needle in a haystack. I had to remove my designer hat and connect with myself and my values.

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I wanted to paint something that connects me to the community and puts a smile on their face. I did my version of the Valentine’s Day conversation heart candies, but with a local flair. As I started to paint the fun local phrases, people shopping for groceries would stop and read them. I’d hear them giggle and say them aloud, “Nevamine, You so dakine!”

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What a special way to enter the mural community. I’m hooked to say the least.