To kick off the New Year, I was commissioned by Seattle Coffee Works to paint a mural for their new location, Cascade Coffee Works, located in downtown South Lake Union, Seattle.
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On the left side of the mural branches of a coffee plant leap out towards the viewer, baring its overly large cherries and twisted leaves. On the far right, two pods wait to be plucked from a cocoa tree, its leaves hanging high above three macro photos of coffee cherries printed on square metal sheets. The tree swirls and fades into thin air as two large birds of paradise emerge into the foreground; a green border of leaves forms around the bottom edge of the mural, drawing the eye towards another set of life-sized birds of paradise sitting in the background to create depth, giving the illusion that one could walk into the mural, into another world.
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This project required me to think differently, and step outside of my comfort zone. I am fascinated by realism, as it forces me to focus on the smallest details that create the bigger picture. But, when time is of the essence, one must compromise comfort and take a leap of faith. It is a challenge to send a message in an unfamiliar way. What does the artist want to show us, and why?
Coffee is a fruit. Much like wine, one can attain a variety of flavors through an extensive process of harvesting, washing, fermenting, and drying; flavors are further accentuated during the roasting process. As coffee culture continues to boom in Seattle, the idea of coffee is expanding beyond the bean. By presenting coffee in its wild form, as a fruit, customers might begin to view it as more than just a pick-me-up.
I grew immensely from this project; I took chances without hesitation, and overcame problems by trusting my judgement. While I am happy with what I have achieved, I know I have much to learn about running a small business, and this is a good start.
Thank you, Coffee Works, for providing, yet, another space for me to unleash some creativity. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
Kyle
