Universal Language of Play
YEAR & TIMELINE
2020 | 3 Months
CLIENT
Mark Twain Elementary & Sound Transit
LOCATION
Federal Way, WA
ROLE
Shared Art Direction | Illustration | Environmental Graphics
COLLABORATORS
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TOOLS
Illustrator | CadTools
MEDIUM
Concrete
DIMENSIONS
33'x600'
This cement mural is integrated into the elevated light rail track in Federal Way, WA.
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CHALLENGE
With its prominent position overlooking the playfield of Mark Twain Elementary, the school played a pivotal role in shaping the concept. We aimed to create a piece that resonated with the community, including the substantial immigrant and refugee populations in the area. We balanced this with the themes provided by the school: sports and nature.
CONCEPT
We believe sports possess a unique ability to transcend language barriers, bringing people together to form connections and foster community spirit. The imagery of a ball weaving through the figures, representing a multitude of sports, serves as a symbol of cohesion and shared passion.
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Mirroring the majestic Cascade Mountains in the overall composition, we not only captured the beauty of the local landscape but also instilled a sense of place and belonging for viewers, connecting them to the natural world that surrounds them.
AUDIENCE
The primary audiences are the scholars and staff at Mark Twain Elementary which serves 1st-5th grade. The Federal Way school system is one of the most diverse in Washington State and new immigrants make up a large portion of the student population who speak 31 different languages.
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RESEARCH
The majority of the notable people from Federal Way are athletes, including Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski, Olympic speed skating medalists. Federal Way hosted the Goodwill Games in 1990 as well as Olympic Swim trials in 2012 so sports are crucial to the fabric of this community. This history inspired an interest in Olympic icons through the ages to articulate a range of bodies in motion. The figures are made from simple geometric shapes to resonate with youth who are building their foundation of knowledge.
