Back in 2009, I wrote a blog post about my so-called muse and how it was leading me to lost art. Crazy, I know, but at the time, I’d found seven noteworthy pieces of art in six years. All at garage sales or junk stores.
The se days, my muse is working overtime, because I’ve discovered an awful lot of street art lately. I’m still meditating on the powerful message in that street art I photographed the other day in The Paseo: “Everything will be OK.” And, then this morning, I meant to turn on SW 29th, but I accidentally blew passed it and turned down SW 25th instead. That’s when I caught a glimpse of something painted on the side of Hunter’s Battery; a religious mural that depicts the Stations of the Cross exploding into two trees. It culminates in a Spanish Mission in Mexico. I’m pretty sure the entire mural was created with special spraypaint and various graffiti art supplies.
As I stood in front of the mural, I had a moment alone with God. Standing on concrete stained with oil and grease in the middle of the barrio I was certain I was standing on holy ground. I remembered Christ’s love for me, and years of soledad, solitude, before I remarried and had more children.
I had to get to a meeting, so I didn’t have much time to explore the mural, but I returned this afternoon, with my kids. They thought it was fantastic, and it will go down in history as one of my all-time favorite after-school adventures. Juliette, 14, especially loved it, and on the way home, Bridgette, 4, sang Christmas Carols: “Peace on earth and mercy my-high, God and center reckon-sy.”
I have a little more information about the owner and the artist, but some things I just want to keep to myself. It doesn’t all have to be for public consumption, does it? If you want to see the mural for yourself, it’s located at 514 SW 25th Street in Oklahoma City.
I also have pictures of the other side of the building and the artist’s practice wall. I will publish some of these soon.
What thoughts do you have about this mural?
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Ya Wanta Start Somthin? is the brand slogan for Hunter’s Battery Shop.
On the chance that the owner of Hunter’s Battery find this post, I want to thank him for generously allowing an artist’s talent to flourish in the space he’s been given, and for providing such a gift for customers and passers-by. I think you’ve started something very special, sir, and it’s not just a battery.
And, to the artist, J., keep painting.
Kind of like the people of the community themselves — colorful & kind. I was down there a lot more when I was editor of Viva Oklahoma, and I miss driving around in that area. Thanks, again! Happy Saturday!
Jen, you have a great eye for photography and a subject.
I think all street art unless it is about violence onto others is fabulous. I love stumbling upon it during my journeys. Many business owners haven’t always provided their consent for appropriate reasons, but I too think it is great that a business owner would allow part of his space to be given over to art.
Totally amazing pigmentation and artistic vision in this mural–not to mention a LOT of talent. I join you in expressing thanks to the owner of the battery shop! Love his logo, by the way!
To say that is a powerful work of art seems a little trite to me. I’m going to have to check that out myself. Graffiti seems to be transforming from glorified vandalism to a profession. Some of the murals in downtown Tulsa have web sites listed. One can commission their own graffiti. Although that seems like cheating.
Thanks, Lillie-Beth! Yes, I think that’s right. I’m pretty sure there is a Mexican bakery right across the street. It’s painted hot pink. It’s also just right down the street from the street-scaped Capitol Hill District. And, interestingly, not far from another magnificent depiction of the Stations of the Cross. The Grotto at Mount St. Mary High School. I love photographing this area of OKC – for the most part so happy, so colorful, so kind.
Wonderful post! I love the art and the meaningful commentary. I think that might be across the street from a bakery/grocery store where I always get churros when I am in that area. Do you know if there is a store there on the northwest corner of the intersection? I will have to look. Thanks for sharing! ~ Lillie-Beth