BRENDA KATO is a well-known Artist from my hometown of the Duval County area. She has just illustrated a children’s book I’m a Secret Superhero and is working on another book due out soon. I had the honor of working with her on this summer’s Murray Hill Mural Project titled Bloom Where you are Planted. This piece stands 25′ x 20′ and is on the wall in the alley behind the Edgewood Diner nestled conveniently in the historic Murray Hill district. As I recall the days they were a blazed and the best way to describe this Florida humidity is Sizzling Citrus!
Teetering on an unbalanced scissor lift, the petals we were stroking with Acrylic Hues of Yellow, Orange, Red & Maroon. Soon became Le Notche de Fuego as the sun set while our second wind would begin. I felt like a crackhead, laying in an alley filled with shadows that were intoxicated with envy knowing they wouldn’t be as permanent as the flowers they overlaid. When I rested on the concrete ground in fetal position. I recharged myself until it was time to get up and start painting again. As the time got closer to our deadline so did our levels of anxiety.
Only having bottles of water to quench any thirst. we drank all day. This being the reason because the thirst for living wasn’t going away. In that moment we had purpose, restless with passion and a reason to play. We couldn’t figure out if this was normal or if it should have been done another way. Others looked at us as we told them what we went through, their expressions were of dismay. The local news articles told a different tale one of glory and concurring this day. Here is a picture of a painting of Brenda’s that is similar to the mural we painted for this project.
$pace!
Spiral Sunflowers
PHOTO BY: LYNDA DIAMOND
Brenda illustrated a book last year for children’s author Marla McKenna. Visit MarlaMcKenna.com to buy this positive thinking book for your loved ones.
Inspiring children to find their inner super power and use the unique and beautiful gifts they’ve been given to shine their light brightly from within for the world to see. Positive thoughts, believing in oneself, kindness and gratitude are all important characteristics and actions encouraged in the fun-loving tale of one girl’s journey as she discovers the power of friendship, good choices and giving back. Her happiness and joy are captured in this brilliantly illustrated book filled with lively imaginative and realistic scenes. I’m A Secret Superhero will have every child searching for his or her own super power and ready to take flight.