Murals

Public Art | Commercial | Festivals

Playing The Sound
of the wind

Athens, Alabama
An Athens Main Street Public Art Initiative

What is ‘playing the sound of the wind?’

This work aims to pay respect to the annual Tennessee Valley Old Times Fiddlers Convention, while simultaneously bringing a fresh take on the aesthetics of the surrounding area. Capturing the bow's motion and implying the instrument's song through shape and flow, the design is intended to act as a complementary contrast to the immediate environment. The directional flow of the piece is intended to draw the attention of drivers and pedestrians into the alley where they will encounter the other planned works for Merchant Alley.

What does it mean to me?

I was raised by a musical family. My parents fell in love while singing together in a rock band. My grandparents used to travel the US performing in a country band. My grandfather even had the fortune to host the Grand Ole Opry on a few occasions with Dolly Parton. I myself am a musician and learned how to play multiple instruments under the guidance of my father. My father passed away in November of 2020, and this mural would be a beautiful opportunity to honor the musical heritage of my family.

HOMECOMING

Decatur, Alabama
Recipient of the Public Art Initiative Grant
from the Alabama College of Art

Why Decatur?

This piece was intended only to be painted in my hometown Decatur, Alabama. I left Decatur in 2001 to pursue an education in the arts. I recently learned that Decatur is pushing hard to expand it’s own art education, so I reached out to see if there was any way, as a muralist, I could join the effort. Growing up in the conservative south as a creative individual, I faced a fair amount of adversity and doubt here in school from both art staff and peers. I hope that this work will be seen by the creative youth of Decatur and inspire them to take their passion and talents seriously, despite any pressures to consider other, more secure paths. I want them to experience this large work and know that they can follow the creative path and still contribute to society in a meaningful way.

The Content of the Work

The figure represented is my sister Lara Lee Whitehead, also born and raised in Decatur, Alabama. She passed away in an accident in 2006, leaving behind our parents, her husband and her two daughters. Rather than presenting the work as a memorial, the work is intended to be a timeless celebration of the beautiful, gentle, and ephemeral elements of life. In her hands she holds a flower, the stem of which is dead and will no longer grow. The flower itself, the most beautiful part of the plant, lives on in full bloom.