Mural Contest:
Create a mural inspired by the performing arts and the natural Southern California area.
Mural Description:
In her mural design, Rachel Estrada combined the magic of performance, and the natural beauty of the Conejo Valley area. In this piece, the dancers, instruments, and music are morphing out of the plant life. It is an imaginative and whimsical illustration where reality and nature become blurred. Rachel designed the placement of the instruments based on a traditional orchestra layout. In the left corner, the strings section, a harp is evolving out of Coyote Brush. In the center, the Woodwinds and Brass Section, a french horn, a trombone, and a trumpet are emerging out of the Oak tree branches. In the other String Section, we see a Cello, with roots hanging from it’s base, being played by a Maple tree. Metallic gold paint will highlight the key features of the piece, adding richness and firery reflection to the artwork.
To further embrace the Conejo Valley landscape, Rachel incorporated the Mount Boney skyline into her design. For the majority of her design, Rachel used plants native to the Southern California area; such as the golden poppies that are dispersed throughout the foreground. However, Rachel also included red rose bushes, to represent the beautiful bouquets performers receive after shows.
The mural design is not merely whimsical, it was also designed with practical sensibility. For example, in the design that incorporates both ‘west walls’, Rachel utilizes an oak tree to cover the pillar, and unite the two halves of the design. The tree will also be painted black to camouflage the black pipe on the left ‘west wall’.
xx,
Rachel Estrada
