Estrella

Grant recipient from Arts and Climates Committee for mural.

-Artist Statement-

Emphasizing color, the painting depicts bright orange California poppies growing amongst dull trash. It comments on nature that persists despite neglect and inspires thought around the values of sustainability. The title, Estrella (which means star in Spanish), comes from a relationship I developed with an admirable local community member named Estrella. She is dedicated to cleaning the streets of her neighborhood just north of USC, and spends her free time sorting the trash from recycling entirely from her love for earth. Aside from the juxtaposition of trash and flowers in the painting, the poppies also function as a portrait of Estrella. A remarkable and often unnoticed member of South Central, Estrella persists in beautifying a shared space with the college community in spite of her frustrations toward the neglectful behavior of USC students.