Minnetonka Center for the Arts Sunflower Banner
‘Sunflower Banner’ for Minnetonka Center for the Arts Aerosol on Plasticized Banner 12’x24′
Two Murals for the University of Minnesota Department of Mechanical Engineering Solar Laboratory
with Light and Magnetic Waves
The murals were painted with aerosol, latex, and acrylic paints. Working on these murals with Dr Jane Davidson, and her staff of graduate and doctoral students, was enlightening.
Changing the door to green makes it a threshold to sustainable living.
Using art to visualize the work being done at the University of Minnesota’s Solar Labs was exciting for me. I was able to utilize my interests in science, my technological skills, and engage with the further exploration of sustainable energy sources.
This garage style door houses a powerful array that is used to collect data for the conversion of solar energy and biomass into fuel.
I chose to utilize the very specific shades of gold and maroon, that represent the University of Minnesota, into a display of solar symbols from multiple cultures and time periods. There are many symbols for the sun including the asterisk.
Many drawings and lots of research went into these murals. Input from everyone who worked in the Lab at that time was taken into consideration. One of the things that solar energy solutions offer is an equitable resource that is available to everyone. No one can own the sun.
HENRI ROUSSEAU’S ‘DREAM’ Mural Reproduction Project
This project was for the Minnetonka Center for the Arts and was displayed at the Ridgedale Shopping Center. The idea was to reproduce a famous artwork and teach students about the process of enlargement. Many hands helped render this beautiful copy of a self portrait by Henri Rousseau.
Rousseau worked as a customs officer in France, his friends nicknamed him ‘Le Douanier’. He did not become a full time painter until the age of 49. It is never too late to realize your dreams.