Without Rain
A mural commissioned by the City of Palo Alto’s public art program.
Key details
Client/commissioning organization
City of Palo Alto Public Art Program
Dates
Completed in 2021; exhibited 2021–2022
Location
King Plaza, Palo Alto, California
Dimensions
6 x 8 ft
Medium and materials
Digital illustration printed on a thin aluminum substrate
Role
Responsible for concept development, illustration, proofs, and production-ready files. The city coordinated fabrication and professional installation through its printing vendor.
Without Rain is a temporary outdoor mural commissioned by the City of Palo Alto Public Art Program for King Plaza in downtown Palo Alto as part of the city's Uplift Local initiative to support community well-being and economic recovery in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to illustrate a hopeful metaphor for change and resilience inspired by the cyclical temperament of nature—the tides, the rising of the sun, the growth of new flowers each spring. My goal for this mural was to acknowledge the collective adversity our community has faced, while also exploring how resilience can help us continue moving forward. I hope this piece evokes nature’s promise for us of a new beginning, together.
My original illustration was translated into a 6 x 8 foot print on a thin aluminum sheet suitable for a year-long public installation. I prepared proofs and production-ready files, and the City of Palo Alto coordinated printing and professional installation through its own vendor. The finished work remained in good condition throughout its 2021-2022 exhibition, and the production method preserved the color and detail of the illustration in an outdoor setting.
