In the mid nineteenth century, the pioneers of Grass Valley and Nevada City were in search of gold: by pan, by sluice boxes, by different forms of mining. For some the fever was quenched and dreams became reality. The famous and industrious mines of the area - such as the Empire Mine - extracted and produced the largest deposits of gold in history. In this mural concept, one such great mineshaft will be used to tunnel deep down to discover another kind of rich deposit. Stacked with comrades in an elevator cart called a skip, the miners are lowered into the dark shaft at sunrise. A one minute vision of the sun cresting over the Yuba River is etched into their minds for only a short time before the drapes of short-term memory are drawn, and the darkness of the mine prevails. Now in faint amber glow they pass previously worked side drifts, descending toward a brave new level. They're going to work.

On this morning shift however, a strange turquoise spot of light seems to be growing from far below. "What in Sam Hill is that?" Soon they will reach the unexplored section, uncovering a vast pocket of pure grade beauty.

Disorientated and astonished deep in the Earth, they rediscover some of the natural scenery that they left far above at the river's edge. Yet they marvel.

By placing the Yuba River into a different context - a subterranean light well - it creates fresh perspective, the new discovery of an ageless trove. From this new vantage point the river seems suddenly exotic and enchanting, like finding Brigadoon on a journey to the center of the Earth. Not only the Centurions might also detect that it suggests a shift in environmental consciousness.

This 'Yuba Mother Lode' possesses unique properties. The falls, made of colorful glass tiles, along with its verdant and virgin shores juxtapose the Iron Age mining operation. The mosaic style of the river (a more two-dimensional art form in appearance), will also contrast and actually enhance the three-dimensional effect of the surrounding strata and architecture.

Important too in its texture is that the jeweled river's cascades are made entirely out of interlocking heart-shaped tiles. Many Nevada County residents miss the old painted landmark; "Heart of the Gold Industry" that adorned the mural site. This heart symbol outpours here and will beat on again into the theater wall's next chapter.

The mining process is as fascinating as it is nostalgic. By weaving encircling elements of the area together - its heritage, natural surroundings, culture, its people, - we include the threads needed to complete a rich and diverse tapestry that is Grass Valley.

At first glance the mural will appear as a dramatic opening in the building - a design that is clear and immediate when viewing from a distance. Yet it will not forfeit more subtle layers when viewed up close. It will produce the experience of being underground, and with the use of dynamic light and shadow, instill a mood of mystery and discovery.

It's a mural of layers, celebrating this unique and charming town, and contributes to its sense of place. Images of a mining boomtown, the sublime Yuba River, and even the iconic heart have entered the bloodstream of the townspeople. Gold is what brought people here long ago, yet the rustic beauty and friendly community is why people stay.

Appropriate for the 'City of Trees,' this concept focuses on the interplay of trees reaching for the light. Entering visitors will first perceive this illusionary arboretum as a flow-through view of a continued outside space. This sunlight filled "room" provides a sense of well-being and inspiration. The series of dynamic trees, sunken reflection pool, and hewn rock terraces create a melodic visual rhythm of shapes,

When developing this mural's concept, I responded to the use of the visitors lobby as well as the architectural textures. It was important that this piece would be non-confrontational in presentation while elevating the mood of patient and often anxious family members. This integrated courtyard allows immediate access to a cross-section of serene forest; a quiet place to introspect, meditate or wander.

As trees of life or trees of knowledge, the great oaks are perfect subtle metaphors for human relationships and personal growth. Occupying time while waiting, the visitor who journeys into these woods will discover intriguing relationships that exist among the trees. A fallen tree that has been partially uprooted finds new life, as saplings spring up from its side. Another tree, jagged from where it was once broken, has long since been revived into maturity as a dynamic and stable adult. These trees along with their 'ordinary' counter parts comprise a complete and vital community - a community that would not be as enchanting without its rich and varying textures.

The beautiful stonewall of the lobby integrates as an architectural threshold and dynamically folds into the space with a contemporary approach. The juxtaposition of geometric modern architecture and unspoiled wilderness showcases an elegant environmental vignette. It expands the stately design scope of the surrounding civic center.

Larger than life, the epic wave behind surfer Duke Kahanamoku is Queen Lili'uokalani herself. Bold and defiant, she endures the tide of western conquests. This glass wave monument honors her spirit that still pounds in the hearts of her people, and unfurls the forged legacy she left behind.

On the balcony below are children (not shown on concept sketch), who have come to offer gifts and to share Aloha. Spiritual and virtuous, Queen Lili'uokalani made sure all future children of Hawaii would have an Ohana (a loving family). Layered deep within the wave will be other great Hawaiians - such as Prince Kuhio who encouraged and supported her.

With curved blocks of aqua jeweled glass, the effect of light coming through from a skylight above is similar to the effect in a real wave. This allows the viewer to bask in 'the zone' of the surfer's world. The balcony visually integrates with the building and will include Hawaiian artifacts, lush elegant urns, and a grand staircase that issues forth like sea foam.

Thanks to the vision of building owner and patron, Richard Wasnich M.D., there will be a park that continues the theme of the mural. Replete with tropical landscaping, lava stone paths, and music, the park is intended to create a meditative sacred space. And Mahalo to Kauila Clark for his council and the guided journey through the rich culture and spirit of Hawaii.

Pantheon of Stars

As the facade breaks away we discover a mysterious room of constellations. In this Pantheon of the night sky celestial bodies instill a sense of place apropos for Hollywood's historical first movie theater - the building that now houses the Guinness museum.

As the 'stars' above Hollywood, hybrid Greek Gods symbolize the iconic movie industry. The MGM lion as Leo, Tri-Star as Pegasus, The Republic Eagle as Aquila, Columbia's Annette Benning resembles Virgo, and Orion are a few examples. As a variation of Universal Picture's emblem, the Earth is the glowing centerpiece of the temple, visually answering the twilight stars above, with shimmering points of city lights.

Color and sun pour in from above to fill this Mediterranean subterranea. Inviting visitors in, these luminous spiritual gardens at the entrance to Palo Alto Medical Foundation are a guiding light from the grayer underworld of the parking garage.

Flowing auspiciously, crystal waters meander silently through lush passages. An array of ancient Spanish tile fonts offer a vitreous rainbow of healing touchstones. Layered throughout these vast lit chambers will be symbols and subtle visual poems, telling stories of untold truth and love, and of our connective humanity.
 

Concept Sketch Enlargement, (120K)
Painted Sketch Enlargement, (69K)

Joseph Werner of One Voice Arts and Leadership Program commissioned me to develop this mural design/concept for the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. This piece entitled Reunion depicts an 'Earthwell' room gathering of distinguished scientists and astronauts, all of whom are alumni of NPS.

Eloquently Earthlit in blue, these great leaders of space exploration stand in metaphoric orbit. Large printed images of the Space Shuttle, Space Station, and Apollo serve as a gallery backdrop, and NPS satellites bookend the room.

Conversing to Earth's left are Gene Cernan and Alan Fuhs. Above the Atlantic, Dan Bursch, Rudy Panholzer and Brig Agrawal are debating about the dark side of the moon. Rudy is saying, "Ask Gene, he was on the moon last". Dan has been at the party and in space the longest and seems to be leaning a little too much into some gravitational pull. Two of the astronauts, Mike Smith and Willie McCool were lost in shuttle disasters yet attend the reunion posthumously and in great spirits.

Artist Mark Molchan refines the concept to the next level as seen in the second image. He's responsible for translating this piece into a finished painting template, ready for the youth artists to execute. Giving credit where it is overdue, Mark is an extraordinary artist, he's painted with me for many years and I consider him a good friend. If you have looked at a lot of my work you've looked at a lot of Mark's work. Thanks Mark.

Youth artists from throughout Monterey County will participate in this final mural project. One Voice Arts and Leadership Program is an organization which has not only beautified communities with murals but has also provided the youth with team-building skills, bonding, and a pride for their community. This translates into productive citizens and members of the communities in which they live. For more on 'One Voice Arts' visit: www.co.monterey.ca.us/workforce/index.htm
 

Enlargement, (123K)  Layer Map, (32K)

Chapters of American history unfold in wall layers with this epic ride across the continent. The centuries clink by like time zones, from Eastern Time to Pacific Time. Our equestrian story begins with a night ride in Boston, to a sunset mail route in the canyon lands, and arriving on the afternoon hills of Lake Norconian. In this case the sun rises as we go west and into the present, on our long journey into day.

Norco is a city that celebrates country living, horse trails and American heritage. This particular trail takes the town on a tour into the 'twilight zone', and passes through a quilt that is woven by the townsfolk of all these cherished things.

This Freedom Trail spawns the birth of a nation, heralds the westward movement, and homesteads the here and now. Of course the west may have been won for some and forever lost by others, yet this trail does carry forth our Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These rights include our freedom of speech, of choice, of belief. Exercising free expression, the Freedom Trail unlocks the confines of normal time and space, so that we can experience many dimensions at once.

If the world was created in seven days, then we've got the country (and town) whittled down to one. Putting the path in this perspective allows us to experience the Gestalt. We can draw a deeper breath of the country air, sit by a fuller hearth flame, and sing with our ancestral family whose tree is forever green.

For this is the Freedom Trail and it knows no bounds. Saddle-up at the trailhead and ride off into a different kind of sunset. It's a trail that has been blazed as pure as rain by the heart and soul of this community. And you're invited.
 

Full Mural Sketch (detail above)

Perhaps the title Totem best describes the overall 'dimensions of life' concept explored in these murals. As a project for a high school auditorium, these pieces investigate both educational and traditional sides of life.

On the 'closest' surface, an exhibition of vintage photos surveys the many layers of early Alaskan life. At this level we view chapters of early settlers/families and their land. There's something about looking into the life-sized eyes of children that would now be 110 adds poignancy to the story.

The framed photos start to billow and metamorphose into curtains. As curtains, they are drawn to reveal two theater stages. Looming in the darkness one of these presentations - the DNA double helix - characterizes life itself, while the other bay houses an ancient Greek colonnade: a temple of science, philosophy, and the arts.

Reaching up like totems, the Doric columns support a ceiling fresco of Mycenaean flying fish. As the capitols touch this membrane of life, the upper portions of the columns are illuminated with greater clarity - as if the contact with life defines their substance, or even their existence.

The colorful double helix model is the ultimate totem. The sequence of acid strands is paralleled to the sequence of spirit animals that define specific clans. These are both the building blocks of life. This hybrid of science and mysticism is an apt symbol for an Alaska steeped in a traditional world as well as a new one.

A chasm between two buildings reveals a journey into Boise's past. The outer layers segue the modern fabric of the new Boise Tower with the older sandstone of Boise City National Bank.

The inner brick facade consists of old establishments including the Hip Sing Building—an early meeting place for the Chinese community. Another layer is the top pitch of a teepee, an important part to any American story. As the centerpiece, the large cottonwood gnarls and pierces outward through the facades to expose these layers of Boise's inner-self, providing us a direct intimacy with the past and aspiration for the future.

Mural Enlargement, (126K)

Before the ranchers and after a handful of trappers, the early pioneers of Gunnison Valley were the miners. For over a century hardy frontiersmen searched for gold, silver, and copper by recklessly extracting the ore from the earth. Great mineshafts and railroad tunnels were burrowed often at a cost of human life and a devastated landscape.

Revealed here in a tunnel vision we find a mother lode far richer than the one miners sought. Leave-filtered from a lightwell above, a greater gold is discovered. The only deleterious side effect to this vision of nature - Gunnison's truest treasure - is the broken window below, in which is trapped dance performer Ashley Kellum.    Detailed reference photo of woman in window, (64K).
 

Enlargement, (112K)

A jeweled vision from the past emerges, as dammed water is released. The valley's bathtub ring can clearly be seen on the front wall being forced open by construction workers. The hard-working restoration crew, consisting of six or seven people, includes John Muir with a hardhat at the far right. A detailed portrait of his bittersweet face, prevailing with his final struggle, is particularly poignant. His return - redemption after death - is bigger than life, and the chain he pulls on is the tautest.

An important part of this 'deconstruction site' is the depiction of the water that is still being delivered to San Francisco. This new water level reflects the Bierstadt-like mosaic, disclosing as it sparkles, a sublime vision of our heritage, and hopefully our future.

Several years ago a group of us backpacked in Yosemite through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, with views of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir downstream as we climbed out. After being involved with Restore Hetch Hetchy, my wife Wendy and I went on another backpack from the dam and around to Rancheria Creek, filling-in what we missed from the last trip. Or did it? Like longing for Atlantis, both of these enchanting experiences left me aching for the forgotten beauty that lies beneath the surface.

I was certainly 'all ears' when contacted by muralist / friend Steffen about developing possible Hetch Hetchy murals. After discussing concepts with director Ron Good of Restore Hetch Hetchy, Jennifer Witherspoon of Environmental Defense, and Assembly Person Lois Wolk, I begin to see that a compelling mural would really be an effective way to contribute to the restoration process. I believe in this project.

www.hetchhetchy.org
 

Erie Canal Project

A large packet boat dramatically protrudes from a 10 story State building to create a compelling monument to the Erie Canal. Key historical figures, such as French engineer Vauban and Governor DeWitt Clinton will be peering from the weighlock building windows. The composition will also include illusionary bas-relief work chronicling the history of the canal and a tile mosaic sun design.

 

With multiple levels of deception, this mural depicts 'the secret scenes behind the scenes'. This mysterious and covert operation behind the 'illusionary facade' includes a passenger train and a meteor core fragment, which are significant to Winslow's history.
 

This train station movie set—along with a real train—provides provocative questions about levels of reality.