The large mural I painted to cover the entire 77′ x 17′ wall of the Department of Public Works in Swampscott, MA is complete! It was hard work, and I was grateful for the help of the workers at the DPW who assembled a scaffold, moved it, and in general made the job easier. Thanks, Guys! Their friendly help gave meaning to the slogan I painted at the bottom of the mural: PUBLIC WORKS MAKES IT HAPPEN. This slogan became popular during the Covid pandemic when the DPW workers showed up to work every day since they are absolutely necessary to a town running smoothly and safely.
The wall was getting tired-looking, and I offered a few ideas; but everyone involved agreed that a giant wave would be best. Swampscott has a mysterious mascot called Big Blue. My first thought for this seaside community was a giant blue wave with foamy edges, swirling water, and huge white seagulls soaring above. I was inspired by the woodblock, The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by 19th Century Japanese artist, Katsushika Hokusai and then I painted it huge and made it my own.
It was interesting to get advice and thoughts from passersby, many who visited me daily as the painting advanced. When I am painting public art, I find my work is improved by listening to the ideas of viewers. I was complimented when the auto repair garage next to the mural also painted the front of their building in a color complimentary to the mural.
My favorite part of the mural is that I had the chance, while high up on the scaffolding, to secretly hide my Swampscott granddaughters’ names in the billowing sea foam. Every day when they go to school, they can try to find it. Thanks to the Town of Swampscott for giving me the opportunity to help make my town a bit nicer.
