2. Daring Dragonflies: A Frog’s Playful Pause
Introduction
This is part of the Seattle Waterfront Popup Mural series, make sure to read about each piece. Also, if interested, high quality prints are available in the store.
In the heart of a lush, verdant forest, a whimsical frog takes center stage in this vibrant mural. This frog, with its exaggerated pink lips and direct gaze, invites viewers into a playful encounter that is both enchanting and thought-provoking.
The frog’s vivid green hue stands out against the backdrop of a verdant forest, where dragonflies dance above and pine trees reach for the clear blue sky. The scattered rocks and lush greenery create a sense of a hidden, magical nook within nature’s embrace. The cartoon-like aesthetic and the frog’s charming demeanor evoke a sense of joy and wonder, inviting us to appreciate the simple delights of the natural world.
Inspiration and Concept
I wanted one of the murals to really invoke a lot of joy and playfulness, to engage with a younger audience. I knew these murals would be out on the Prominade in Seattle’s Waterfront park and there would be plenty of families visiting. I chose the frog from a past experience where I lived and could hear all the frogs croaking during certain seasons, I also had requests from some of my fans to incorporate a frog into one of my next pieces since it is a clan crest for many Tlingit people. To add some dynamic tension I chose dragonflies, who are sometimes eaten by frogs, this was to help bring the art to life.
In Tlingit art and carvings, the an extended tongue often represents the transfer of knowledge. This piece cleverly incorporates this symbolism, as the frog is looked upon by two dragonflies who seem bemused by its lack of predatory intent. Almost as a comical dare, the dragonflies inch closer, adding a layer of playful tension to thescene. This interaction not only highlights the frog’s whimsical nature but also underscores the theme of wisdom and knowledge being passed on.
Frog and Dragonfly mural in Seattle
The bold color choices in this artwork are inspired by the worlds of comics, cartoons, and graffiti. These vibrant hues break from convention, pushing the boundaries of color and courage in friendship. The frog’s green body is complemented by its pink lips, a creative liberty that deviates from the traditional red formline of the Tlingit but harmonizes beautifully with the overall palette. The non-native pink bushes add a vibrant contrast to the scene, enhancing the whimsical and playful nature of the piece, harkening back to the more surrealist nature of some anime cartoons.
Closeup of the dragonfly and showing the surreal pink shrubs
The serene lake peeking through the background is reminiscent of one of my cherished camping spots from my childhood in Alaska, adding a personal touch to the artwork. This element of the piece invites viewers to connect with my experiences and memories, creating a deeper sense of engagement and appreciation.
Detail showing the lake peaking through in the background
Design and Process
The mural features a dynamic interplay between the frog and dragonfly, with a touch of traditional Tlingit formline designs. began with rough sketches, incorporating elements of urban graffiti to add a modern twist. Choosing the color palette I wanted to really break away from tradition to see what would transpire. Using celshading techniques, I brought depth and vibrancy to the mural, making the characters come alive. This was one of the first pieces I experimented with gradients for added effect.
Closeup showing the details for the Frog’s face
Challenges and Solutions
One of the main challenges was capturing the fluidity and movement of the frog and dragonfly while maintaining the integrity of Tlingit artistic traditions. I love anime style artwork and wanted to integrate a bit of the joy that comes from this art style, but wanted to give the frog at least a hint of formline design, as if incised and carved. This required a delicate balance of traditional and contemporary elements. Additionally, working on a large scale presented logistical challenges, but with careful planning and execution, I was able to bring the mural to life. There was a window on this wall in addition to the door that could cover the art piece when open, so I wanted to ensure it was cohesive with these elements obscured.
Framed Frog and Dragonflies print
Future Projects
Looking ahead, I plan to continue exploring themes of nature and playfulness in my work. I aim to create a series of artwork that celebrate the interconnectedness of nature and the values that guide us through life.
Conclusion
The Frog and Dragonfly mural is a delightful blend of whimsy, tradition, and bold artistic expression. It invites viewers to step into a magical nook within nature’s embrace, where a playful frog and curious dragonflies remind us of the joy and wonder that can be found in the simplest of encounters. Through its vibrant colors and symbolic elements, this piece encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the wisdom that can be found within it. I invite you to visit the mural, reflect on your own experiences of transformation, and join me in celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Tlingit people.
Links
Previous Mural Description: 1. Raven’s Matrix: The Simulation Unveiled
Next Mural Description: 3. The Mentor Bear: Honoring Wisdom and Guidance
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